The launch of direct flights between Kenya and the US is now closer as the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi has received Category One status approval from USA's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The approval was granted after the FAA carried out a series of audits and assessment of facilities and security at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi.

With this approval, Kenya Airways and other international airlines can now launch direct flight services between Nairobi and the United States of America.

Launching direct flights was part of a package of deals announced when former American President, Barack Obama visited Kenya in July 2015.

In 2016, Delta Air Lines cancelled plans to launch direct flights between the US and Nairobi due to security concerns. Kenya Airways also plans to offer direct flights to the US.

Currently, flights from the US to Kenya must either transit through Europe or Cape Verde, Ethiopia, Nigeria or South Africa, which are the only four countries in Africa with Category One status.

Photo Credit: Chris Pitchacaren