Senator Miraj seeks clarification on passenger seats restrictions

Parliament Buildings
Tuesday, 3rd June 2025

Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi has requested a Statement from the Senate Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing regarding the restriction of the number of passenger seats by Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines on their direct flights to Moi International Airport, Mombasa.

“The government heeded the Coast region stakeholders' call for open skies by granting landing rights to Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways for direct flights to Mombasa, a move that significantly boosted tourism, enhanced the local economy and positively impacted the livelihoods of the people in the region. However, while this milestone is commendable, the imposition of restrictions on the number of passenger seats these airlines may offer per flight or week undermines the spirit of liberalization in air transport,” said Senator Miraj.

In her request, the Senator wants the Committee to provide justification for the restrictions on the number of passenger seats offered by Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines on their flights to Mombasa, including the legal and policy basis, if any, for such limitations.

She is also seeking information on the potential impact of these restrictions on tourism, trade, and the economy of the coastal region and the measures the Ministry is taking to ensure transparency and fairness in the implementation of Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA).