United Airlines Sued to Nairobi as Airline Giant Sees Major Revenue Potential
United Airlines is being urged to launch a new nonstop route from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), according to Behramjee Ghadially, a senior airline network planner and African aviation specialist. The proposed route would be operated by the Boeing 787-9 on a thrice-weekly basis.
The route has potential due to strong passenger demand between IAD and NBO, with over 50,000 round-trip local passengers flying indirectly in 2025. Ghadially suggests that nonstop flights could stimulate demand by 35% or more. The average fare for the route was $933 each way last year, excluding taxes.
United Airlines would benefit from high-yielding US government and corporate traffic, as well as its loyalty program base in North America. Additionally, safari tourism with high net worth individuals could contribute to increased revenue. Ghadially recommends launching the service in winter 2027.