[PHOTOS] KQ makes first international flight to London as travel resumes

Kenya Airways (KQ) resumed its international passenger services on Saturday, following the easing of movement restrictions as directed by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The first international flight - KQ100 - departs to London.

Kenya Airways board chairman Michael Joseph on Saturday said, "This inaugural flight to London is the most important and most emotional. This has been a tremendously difficult time for staff."

Joseph will be among those on the inaugural flight.

British Deputy High Commissioner Susie Kitchens was also present.

"We are in solidarity with you ... we are back in action... we were delighted flowers and vegetables kept being brought in," she said.

Passengers get ready to board flight 100 on August 1, 2020 as the airline resumes international flights.
Image: DOUGLAS OKIDDY

During the month there will be a gradual increase in the network with flights to Paris, Mumbai and Amsterdam.

In Africa, the airline will operate flights to Accra, Dzaoudzi, Freetown, Harare, Kilimanjaro, Lagos, Monrovia, Moroni, Nampula and Zanzibar. Based on demand and other factors, resumption of services to other destinations around the globe will occur.

Foreign Affairs CAS Ababu Namwamba said, "It's really special for us to be here to witness one of the key steps in reopening the economy."