Kenya Airways Winter 2025/26: Nairobi–Cape Town Nonstop Frequency Change

(NAIROBI) Kenya Airways will trim its nonstop Nairobi–Cape Town schedule during the Northern Winter 2025/26 season, moving from three weekly flights to two between December 9, 2025, and January 27, 2026. The airline published the latest update on August 22, 2025, calling the move a temporary Frequency Change shaped by seasonal demand and operational needs.

During this window, the carrier plans to operate the nonstop route with the Boeing 737-800, while keeping its multi-stop options through Livingstone and Victoria Falls at three weekly flights each to preserve connectivity into Cape Town.

Timetable and equipment for nonstop flights

The nonstop timetable remains consistent in clock-face terms despite the frequency cut.

• KQ784: Departs Nairobi 17:20, arrives Cape Town 22:05 — operated with Boeing 737-800 during the reduced period.
• KQ785: Departs Cape Town 23:25, arrives Nairobi 06:10+1 — operated with Boeing 737-800 during the reduced period.

Outside this seven-week reduction, Kenya Airways has been operating the nonstop Nairobi–Cape Town service with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner since August 1, 2024. The Dreamliner offers increased capacity and comfort, notably 30 full lie‑flat Business Class seats. The winter 737‑800 swap is a temporary right‑sizing measure and represents a change from the widebody used most of the year.

Service changes and schedule — key booking points

Here are the facts you need when planning travel during the winter block:

1. Nonstop Frequency (Dec 9, 2025–Jan 27, 2026)
   • 2 flights per week on the Nairobi–Cape Town nonstop route (down from 3).
2. Nonstop flight times
   • KQ784: Departs Nairobi 17:20, arrives Cape Town 22:05 — Boeing 737-800.
   • KQ785: Departs Cape Town 23:25, arrives Nairobi 06:10+1 — Boeing 737-800.
3. Stopover options (unchanged)
   • Nairobi–Livingstone–Cape Town: 3 flights weekly.
   • Nairobi–Victoria Falls–Cape Town: 3 flights weekly.

Why the equipment swap matters

• The Boeing 787 Dreamliner (in service since August 1, 2024) delivers a premium product with lie‑flat Business Class and more capacity.
• The Boeing 737-800 is a short‑to‑medium haul layout with fewer premium seats; it reduces nonstop seat supply but preserves the schedule.

Passenger impact and planning tips

The practical effects and recommended actions for travelers:

• Fewer nonstop seats on the Nairobi–Cape Town leg for roughly seven weeks. Book earlier or keep flexible travel plans if your trip falls between Dec 9, 2025 and Jan 27, 2026.
• If nonstop seats sell out, use the two stopover routings via Livingstone or Victoria Falls as alternatives. They add time but maintain connectivity.
• For business travelers who prioritize onboard comfort, check the aircraft type when booking:
  • If the Boeing 787-8/9 Dreamliner is shown, you’ll likely get 30 lie‑flat Business Class seats and higher comfort.
  • If the Boeing 737‑800 is scheduled, assess whether the nonstop timing outweighs the change in comfort.

Important: If your travel coincides with high-demand event dates or peak holiday windows, expect tighter seat availability. Consider booking early or setting alerts for seat releases.

Discounts, events, and documents

• Kenya Airways continues to promote special discounts tied to headline gatherings such as the AfricArena Summit and FESTAC Africa Festival — up to 8–15% off in both Business and Economy for registered attendees.
• Always verify visa and entry requirements with official sources before purchasing tickets. For South Africa, consult the Department of Home Affairs visa page: https://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/apply-for-a-south-african-visa.

How to book and customer contacts

If you choose to book now, follow these recommended steps:

1. Visit the airline site for the latest schedules, fares, and rules: https://www.kenya-airways.com/.
2. Read fare conditions carefully to understand change and refund terms.
3. Contact the Customer Excellence Center for assistance:
   • Global Tel: +254 734 104 747
   • Global Mobile: +254 711 024 747
   • WhatsApp: +254 705 474 747

Operational context and strategic rationale

Kenya Airways routinely fine‑tunes its network to match seasonal demand. Martin Gitonga, Head of Network Planning and Alliances, frames such moves as part of a living plan to adapt schedules and aircraft to traveler needs while improving onboard experience.

• Short‑term frequency cuts paired with stopover options are a common method carriers use to steady schedules while maintaining market presence, as noted by analysis from VisaVerge.com.
• The Dreamliner is deployed on days with stronger demand and a larger premium mix, whereas the 737‑800 fits periods when the airline needs to hold the timetable while right‑sizing seat counts.

Practical scenarios and final recommendations

Example scenario:
– If a nonstop is sold out for your ideal day (e.g., week of January 15), options include:
1. Take the nonstop a day earlier and adjust meetings or work remotely for an extra day in Cape Town.
2. Use a stopover routing via Livingstone or Victoria Falls on your preferred day and accept longer journey time.

Action checklist for travelers:
– Check the calendar and aircraft assignment before booking.
– Read fare change/refund rules and add your frequent flyer number to bookings.
– Confirm passport validity and visa requirements.
– Set fare/seat alerts if your preferred nonstop day is critical.

When the change ends

The temporary frequency reduction is scheduled to end on January 27, 2026. After that date, Kenya Airways may resume three weekly nonstop flights on Nairobi–Cape Town, subject to market performance and operational review. Travelers planning late‑January or early‑February trips should monitor schedules and aircraft assignments in the weeks before departure to avoid surprises.

Kenya Airways aims to keep Cape Town well served via both nonstop and stopover paths through the season, using the Dreamliner and 737‑800 in tandem to balance comfort and capacity. A little early planning will help secure the option that best meets your timing and comfort needs.