NAIROBI, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Air India's flight from Mumbai to Nairobi landed on Wednesday with 100 passengers on board, marking the return of the airline to Kenya after 10 years.

The return of the airline presents a big opportunity for the two countries which have shared trade and economic ties for many years.

Betty Radier, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO, said on Wednesday that the return of Air India to Kenya would help to promote tourism, trade, improve relationships and create opportunities between the two countries.

"India is one of Kenya's top tourist source markets. Arrivals from India in the year 2018 grew by 51.9 percent to reach 125,032. Kenya is confident of sustained tourist arrivals from India following this arrival." she said during the reception in Nairobi.

The airline will offer four direct flights a week, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with plans to offer additional flights in the pipeline.

Air India will be instrumental in increasing uptake from both Tier I and II city markets of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru; and Kolkata, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and others, utilizing its existing domestic infrastructure network, market knowledge and presence.