flydubai: new flights to Nairobi, increased frequencies to Mombasa
flydubai has announced a significant expansion of its East African operations, unveiling new flights to Nairobi International Airport (NBO) in Kenya, set to commence from 15 October 2025. The new route will operate four times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—from Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB). This development marks a strategic move to strengthen air connectivity between the UAE and Kenya, further integrating the region into Dubai’s global aviation hub.
In addition to the Nairobi launch, flydubai will also increase its frequency to Mombasa, moving to a daily service from 1 October 2025. With these enhancements, the airline will offer a total of 11 weekly flights to Kenya, providing greater flexibility and choice for both business and leisure travellers across sub-Saharan Africa.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, emphasized the importance of the Kenyan market, stating, “Kenya is an important market for flydubai, and we are pleased to strengthen our operations with the addition of Nairobi and the increased frequency of our service to Mombasa. These flights underline the importance of connecting Kenya to Dubai’s global aviation hub, enhancing access for trade, travel and tourism between our two countries. We remain committed to playing our part in supporting stronger economic and cultural ties between the UAE and Africa.”
The new Nairobi service will be operated from Terminal 3 at Dubai International, aligning with flydubai’s strategy to offer seamless connections and premium service standards. Nairobi and Mombasa are both key gateways for East Africa, serving as vital links for trade, tourism, and diaspora travel. The increased connectivity is expected to stimulate business opportunities, boost tourism flows, and facilitate easier access for African travellers to Dubai and beyond.
With the addition of Nairobi, flydubai now serves 12 destinations in Africa, including Alexandria, Addis Ababa, Al Alamein (seasonal), Asmara, Cairo, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Mombasa, and Zanzibar. This growing network reflects the airline’s commitment to expanding its footprint across the continent and responding to the rising demand for direct, reliable air links between Africa and the Middle East.
For the African travel sector, flydubai’s expansion brings several advantages. Increased flight frequencies and new routes mean more options for travellers, improved connectivity for regional businesses, and enhanced opportunities for tourism development. The move also supports the broader trend of Middle Eastern carriers investing in Africa’s aviation infrastructure, helping to position the continent as a key player in global air transport.
As competition intensifies and passenger expectations evolve, flydubai’s investment in the Kenyan market is likely to spur further innovation and service improvements across the region. For travel professionals, the new Nairobi and expanded Mombasa services offer fresh opportunities to design attractive itineraries, tap into new source markets, and strengthen partnerships with both local and international stakeholders.
With these latest developments, Kenya’s role as a regional aviation hub is set to grow, reinforcing its status as a gateway for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Africa and the world.