New scheduled service supports Kenya–Europe trade and seasonal export demand
Magma Aviation and MidnightZulu have launched a new scheduled air cargo service connecting Nairobi in Kenya with Liège in Belgium, strengthening capacity on a key trade corridor between East Africa and Europe during a peak export period.
The twice-weekly operation began on January 20 and will run between January and May 2026, operating alongside Magma Aviation’s four existing Nairobi–Liège services. The companies said the additional flights are designed to respond to seasonal demand while reinforcing their long-term partnership.
The service is strategically positioned to support Kenya’s horticulture exports during the winter shipping period, when volumes on the route typically increase as European demand rises for fresh produce.
“This additional Nairobi–Liège service is an important step for Magma Aviation, as it underlines our long-term commitment to the Kenyan market and to our customers operating within it,” said Paul Hoatson, Magma Aviation’s Commercial & Network Planning Director.
Magma Aviation said its alliance with MidnightZulu is firmly shaped by customer demand and market signals, with both partners closely monitoring supply and demand dynamics across their networks.
The schedule has been structured to ensure continuity and reliability for shippers moving goods between East Africa and Europe, particularly during periods of heightened export activity.
MidnightZulu echoed this outlook, highlighting the potential for further growth on the route as market demand evolves.
“We are optimistic that the inclusion of this extra service acts as a taster for further increases to Magma & MidnightZulu activity in Nairobi in the future,” shared Thomas Frankum, MidnightZulu’s CEO.
Magma Aviation specialises in the commercial management of cargo capacity, marketing wide-body and narrow-body freighters contracted from third-party airlines. The company said the expansion of its Nairobi operations forms part of a broader network planning strategy focused on strengthening trade corridors between Africa and major European cargo gateways.
With horticulture exports playing a vital role in Kenya’s economy, the added capacity is expected to enhance supply chain resilience while supporting exporters during one of the busiest shipping seasons of the year.