Etihad Airways Hosts Media Roundtable & Awards Ceremony In Nairobi Amid African Expansion

Etihad Celebrates Kenya Growth With Strategic Media Roundtable & Travel Awards

Etihad Airways hosted an exclusive media roundtable on Thursday, 21 August 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi’s Upper Hill district. The event brought together media representatives and key industry stakeholders to discuss the airline’s rapidly expanding footprint across Africa, with a special focus on the Kenyan market. The session began promptly at 8:30 AM, with early arrivals allowing time for registration and networking.

The roundtable was headlined by Mr. Javier Alija, Vice President – Global Sales & Distribution at Etihad Airways, who offered in-depth insights into the airline’s African growth strategy. He emphasized the significance of Etihad’s decision to double its weekly flights to Nairobi from 7 to 14, effective 15 December 2025. This expansion comes less than a year after the airline resumed its Nairobi operations, highlighting the strong demand and promising future of the route.

Mr. Alija underscored the strategic importance of Kenya as a gateway to East Africa and a hub for both leisure and corporate travel. He outlined how increased connectivity will not only benefit passengers but also strengthen trade, tourism, and bilateral relations. The discussion also touched on broader market trends, the airline’s service innovations, and its efforts to forge strategic partnerships with African aviation and travel stakeholders.

In addition to the media briefing, the event also featured an Etihad Airways Awards Recognition Ceremony honoring Kenya’s top-performing travel agencies. This gesture reflected the airline’s appreciation for the critical role these partners play in supporting its network growth and customer service excellence. The awards served as a testament to the successful collaborations driving Etihad’s African resurgence.

Among the travel agencies recognized were FCM Travel Solutions, Elite Travel, Euro Africa Travel Company, Hemingways Travel Limited, Holiday Bazaar Limited, Lordstown Travel Group Limited, Muthaiga Travel Limited, Ramani Travel Solution Limited, Rickshaw Travels, Satguru Travel and Tours Solutions, Simuon Travel Ltd, Travel N Style Ltd, Travelshoppe Co Ltd, Turkenya Tours and Safaris, Zakale Expeditions, Palbina Travels, and others. These agencies were commended for their outstanding performance, customer commitment, and contribution to Etihad’s market success in Kenya.

The dual-purpose event not only offered media attendees the opportunity to gain valuable insights into Etihad’s African ambitions but also celebrated the local travel industry’s achievements. As Etihad strengthens its operations and partnerships across the continent, such engagements mark a clear commitment to deeper collaboration, sustainable growth, and delivering exceptional travel experiences for African customers.

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