FLIGHT REVIEW: Kenya Airways: Lagos – Nairobi

Introduction

For decades, Kenya Airways has positioned Nairobi as one of Africa's most important aviation hubs, connecting travellers from across the continent to destinations around the world.

My recent journey from Lagos to Nairobi provided an opportunity to experience the airline's premium offering firsthand. From the warm professionalism of the crew to the thoughtfully presented in-flight dining, this five-hour flight was more than just a connection between two African cities.

Flight Overview

Airline: Kenya Airways

Date: 25 May, 2026

Route: Lagos – Nairobi

Flight Number: KQ532

Travel class: Business

Equipment: Boeing 737-800NG

Scheduled Departure Time: 1:50 pm

Actual Departure Time: 2:09 pm

Scheduled Arrival Time: 9:10 pm

Actual Arrival Time: 8:54 pm

Flight Time: 4 hours and 45 minutes

Cruising Altitude: 37,000 feet

Arrival and Check-in

The flight was originally scheduled to depart Lagos at 12:25 pm. However, just as I was about to leave for the airport, I received an apologetic SMS from Kenya Airways at 7: 58 am, advising that the flight had been rescheduled to depart at 1:50 pm. I would later understand that the delay was due to foggy weather in Nairobi that morning, which delayed morning departures out of Nairobi and consequently delayed the arrival of the operating aircraft.

I arrived at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammad International Airport Lagos at about 12 pm. After going through security checks, I proceeded to Kenya Airways Sky Priority check-in counter on the first floor.

Having checked in online the previous day, I was able to avoid the usual queues and head straight to the dedicated Business Class counters at the airport to drop off my bag and collect my boarding pass. I was attended to by Oyedele Gbeju. She was exceptionally professional and friendly. The process was straightforward and helped streamline the pre-departure experience.

With my boarding pass and lounge voucher issued, I cleared security and immigration and proceeded to the At:elier Lounge. Located on the second floor, the At:elier lounge offers priority passengers a conducive environment to relax and find their equilibrium while enjoying culinary delights before their flights. I had some veggies and red grape juice. It was refreshing, although the selection itself was somewhat limited.

Boarding

The first boarding announcement for our flight was made at 1:09 pm, while I was still in the lounge. I quickly made my way to the boarding gate. Business Class passengers were boarded first followed by Economy Class passengers. The entire boarding process was orderly and well coordinated.

In the Business Class cabin, we were served with a range of welcome drinks. I opted for champagne. It provided a pleasant start to the flight. Warm towels were also served as we prepared for departure. That literally added another layer of warmth to the journey.

Departure 

With boarding formalities completed and the aircraft's doors armed and cross-checked, we pushed back at 1:55 pm and began our taxi to Runway 18R.

Following a beautiful takeoff roll, the Boeing 737-800NG gently lifted off the runway at 2:09 pm and made an easterly departure for the five-hour flight to Nairobi. Climb out was scenic. After breaking into the clouds, we levelled off and cruised at 37,000 feet above sea level. From the Business Class cabin, the view was stunning.

About 20 minutes into the flight, the cabin crew distributed headsets and amenity kits to Business Class passengers. The amenity kit contained a pair of long socks, small comb, pen, moisturiser, and lip balm.

The Aircraft

The flight was operated by an 11-year-old Boeing 737-800NG (registration 5Y-CYC), delivered brand-new to Kenya Airways in 2015 and powered by two CFM56-7B26 engines.

The aircraft's interior looked modern and spotted the signature Boeing Sky Interior - an advanced, passenger-focused cabin design featuring dynamic LED mood lighting, enhanced ambience, and larger pivoting overhead bins to create a more spacious and comfortable flight experience.

Cabin and Seat

The aircraft's cabin looked modern and appeared well-maintained. This particular Boeing 737-800NG is configured with a total of 145 seats, including 16 Business Class seats and 129 Economy Class seats. The Business Class seats are in a 2-2 four abreast layout while the economy class seats are in a 3-3 six abreast layout.

The Business Class cabin offers generous 47-inch seat pitch, creating ample space for comfort. The legroom was so generous that I could fully stretch my legs without having to kick the seat in front of me. The seat was ergonomic and could recline to about 120°, providing a comfortable angle for resting or napping during the flight.

Each Business Class seat featured power socket for charging of mobile devices as well as motorized controls in the center armrest, which allow guests to adjust the recline and activate a built-in footrest that extends about 45°. At 21 inches, the seat width was also impressive.

One detail worth mentioning is the condition of the onboard lavatory. It was spotless and remained in excellent shape throughout the journey. The lavatory was admittedly not very spacious, but that is typical of narrow-body aircraft and did little to detract from the overall comfort of the flight.

Crew and Flight

On the flight deck, Captain Andrew Nderu was in command. In the cabin, Flight Purser Faith Wanjiku led the rest of the crew. They took very good care of us throughout the flight.

We cruised at an altitude of 37,000 feet above sea level. Our Ground Speed was 533 mph (859 km/h), True Air Speed was 529 mph (857 km/h), while Outside Air Temperature was -45°C. From pushback in Lagos to landing in Nairobi, the Boeing 737-800NG handled the flight impressively.

In-flight Catering

About 40 minutes into the flight, in-flight dining service commenced with tasty mixed nuts and a choice of beverages. I went with Pinotage - South Africa's signature red wine grape. And I loved its intense dark fruit flavours. The lunch service was accompanied by assorted warm bread rolls.

The menu card had earlier been handed to us just after boarding and we placed our orders in advance – before takeoff. For appetizer, everyone in Business Class was served with fresh mixed vegetable salad with basil oil dressing. It tasted really nice.

For main course, there were three options: Grilled Barracuda Fillet with Creole Sauce, Sliced Chicken with Spicy Tomato Sauce, and Penne Pasta.

I went with grilled barracuda fillet with creole sauce served with jollof rice, green beans and zucchini. I really enjoyed this dish, especially the barracuda fillet and the creole sauce.

Impressed by how well the Pinotage red wine complemented the meal, I requested a second serving, which was cheerfully provided by Faith, the Flight Purser.

The Pinotage wine, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, paired beautifully with the barracuda fillet. Its bold, smoky and earthy profile elevated an already enjoyable meal. For dessert, we had mango coco sable with strawberry coulis. It was yummy.

With the lunch service impeccably delivered, it was obvious that I started my Kenya Airways journey with more than just a comfortable seat and a clean cabin. I had also started my journey with flavor, freshness, and flair.

In-flight Entertainment

Available on the in-flight entertainment system were several channels, including Movie Showcase, Hollywood, Bollywood, World Movies, TV Shows, Amazing Africa, Audio, Young Traveller, Gaming, Onboard Shopping, Simply Delicious etc.

The in-flight entertainment system offering felt limited and could benefit from an upgrade, especially when compared with competitors on similar routes. I didn't spend much time on the in-flight entertainment system as my phone kept me busy throughout the flight.

Arrival in Nairobi

We commenced our initial descent about 20 minutes before touchdown. So, following a smooth and uneventful flight from the Murtala Muhammad International Airport Lagos, we gently touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi at exactly 8:54 pm local time - a few minutes before the scheduled arrival time. From the initial descent through the flare and touchdown, the approach was professionally executed.

With the aircraft having come to a complete stop and the seatbelt sign turned off, it was time for me to disembark, but not without saying hello to the flight deck crew.

Immigration services at Nairobi Airport were efficient and straightforward, with just a few necessary questions from the immigration officer. There was free Wi-Fi and baggage reclaim was equally swift. Although I didn't get to spend ample time at the airport, the overall airport experience was seamless.

Final Verdict

Despite the revised departure schedule, Flight KQ532 delivered a polished Business Class experience defined by attentive service, comfortable seating and memorable in-flight dining. Kenya Airways impressed not only with its operational recovery but also with the professionalism of the flight crew.

For travellers seeking a seamless connection between Lagos and Nairobi, and onward to destinations across Africa and beyond, Kenya Airways presents a compelling option. While the in-flight entertainment system (on this particular aircraft) could benefit from enhancement, the airline's strengths far outweigh its shortcomings, making this a journey I would be happy to undertake again.

Trip Summary

Check-in: 95%

Boarding: 95%

Flight Crew: 95%

In-flight Service: 95%

Flight Experience: 95%

Seat Comfort: 95%

lPunctuality: 90%

Aircraft: 90%

Chidozie Uzoezie is an aviation analyst, travel writer, travel Influencer, digital content creator, newspaper columnist and in-flight magazines contributor. He can be reached on WhatsApp: +23408178379876.