Emirates Adds Third Daily Nairobi Flight, Unlocking New Growth for Kenya’s Tourism and Trade
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is set to deepen its commitment to Kenya with the launch of a third daily flight to Nairobi, commencing 1 March 2026. This expansion, announced as the airline marks its 30th anniversary of operations to Kenya, will see the Kenyan capital served by a total of 21 Emirates flights per week, connecting Nairobi seamlessly to Dubai and the carrier’s vast global network of nearly 150 destinations.
The new service is designed to complement Emirates’ existing schedule, introducing an early morning arrival and departure that enhances two-way connectivity with key European markets such as the UK, France, Norway, and Italy, as well as the United States. This schedule optimisation is expected to make Nairobi even more accessible for inbound tourism and business travel, supporting Kenya’s ambitious goal of attracting 5 million international tourists by 2030.
Flight EK717 will depart Dubai at 00:55 hrs, arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 05:05 hrs. The return, EK718, will leave Nairobi at 06:50 hrs and land in Dubai at 12:50 hrs. The third daily service will be operated by a three-class Boeing 777, offering Emirates’ renowned First Class cabins—an exclusive feature for Nairobi-bound travellers. This move not only increases capacity but also elevates the premium travel experience for passengers flying between East Africa and the world.
Emirates’ decision to add a third frequency is underpinned by robust demand, with the airline’s double daily flights to Nairobi consistently operating at healthy seat factors in recent months. The additional flight will provide more flexibility and choice for both leisure and business travellers, while also supporting the movement of goods. With an extra 280 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity in the belly of the Boeing 777, the new service will be particularly valuable for exporters of time- and temperature-sensitive perishables such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers—key sectors for Kenya’s economy.
Importantly, the new schedule has been optimised for connectivity with Kenya Airways flights, enabling smooth onward travel to regional destinations including Rwanda, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mozambique, and Burundi. Since the launch of the interline partnership in 2023, over 31,000 passengers have benefited from the collaboration, with bookings split almost evenly between the two airlines. This synergy highlights the mutual benefits for both Emirates and Kenya Airways customers, and underscores the growing importance of strategic partnerships in Africa’s aviation sector.
Emirates’ presence in Kenya has been transformative since its inaugural flight in 1995. Over the past three decades, the airline has carried more than 6.6 million passengers to and from the country, driving inbound tourism from markets such as South Korea, China, Thailand, and Australia, as well as ultra-long-haul traffic from the US. Outbound travel from Kenya has also flourished, with destinations like Shanghai, Beijing, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Seattle, New York, and Washington proving especially popular.
In 2024, Emirates further cemented its commitment to the region by opening Africa’s first Emirates World store in Nairobi. This innovative retail space offers immersive product displays and expert travel consultation, setting a new standard for customer experience on the continent and reinforcing Nairobi’s status as a key hub in Emirates’ African network.
For Africa’s travel sector, Emirates’ expansion in Nairobi is a clear signal of the airline’s confidence in the region’s growth potential. The increased frequencies will not only support Kenya’s tourism ambitions but also stimulate trade, enhance regional connectivity, and provide new opportunities for collaboration between African and international carriers. As competition intensifies and traveller expectations evolve, such investments in capacity, product, and partnership will be crucial for maintaining Africa’s upward trajectory in global aviation.
With the third daily flight set to take off in March 2026, Nairobi is poised to strengthen its role as a gateway for East Africa, offering travellers and exporters alike greater access to the world—and bringing Kenya’s vision of becoming a top-tier tourism and trade destination ever closer to reality.
