Who is this petition for?

AirAsia Group Executive Leadership, Route Planning Division

The Petition

We urge AirAsia to reconsider its decision to suspend direct flights to Nairobi starting September 2025.

This route has proven to be more than viable with recent travel patterns show a load factor exceeding 70% on most flights. Nairobi has emerged as a key regional hub for business, tourism, diplomacy, and humanitarian work across East and Central Africa.

Why Nairobi Matters:

Kenya is a strategic bridge between Africa and Southeast Asia, facilitating people-to-people connections, business growth, and international collaboration.

Nairobi is home to numerous UN agencies, regional headquarters, NGOs, and multinational corporations many of which rely on affordable, direct connectivity with Asia.

With increasing interest from Southeast Asian tourists and businesses, cutting the route now feels premature and shortsighted.

A Growing Demand:

Since launch, this route has seen increasing performance.

Most flights in early 2025 have flown at below 60% capacity. However since adjustment in frequency to two flights per week it has increased to over 70% showing that the demand is real and rising.
Rather than suspend, consider seasonal frequency adjustments or marketing partnerships to optimize operations.

Impacts Beyond Tourism:

Suspension could affect hundreds of travelers including students, entrepreneurs, aid workers, and families who depend on this affordable connection.

The route also strengthens ASEAN–Africa relations, aligning with broader goals of trade and diplomatic cooperation. This is critical especially since Malaysia has been selected as the Chairman for ASEAN, and UN-HABITAT assembly for the current period.

AirAsia: Be a Leader, Not a Leaver

AirAsia has always been a champion of unlocking new travel corridors and democratizing air travel.

With a bit more time and strategic alignment, this route can become a pillar of inter-regional connectivity.

We ask that AirAsia:

1. Reassess the decision to suspend the Nairobi–Kuala Lumpur route
2. Explore alternative strategies (e.g. seasonal service, partner packages, tourism promotions)
   Continue serving as a bridge between ASEAN and Africa
3. Let’s not let this vital connection fade. Sign this petition and show that Nairobi deserves to stay on the map.