Emirates to launch third daily service to Nairobi, helping unlock inbound tourism growth

Emirates has announced a major expansion of its Kenya operations ✈️. Starting March 1, 2026, the airline will introduce a third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi, marking a milestone as it celebrates 30 years of service to Kenya.

Frequency boost:
Nairobi will now be served with 21 flights per week, connecting travelers to Dubai and onward to nearly 150 destinations worldwide.

Schedule advantage:
The new service adds an early morning arrival and departure, improving two-way connectivity with Europe (UK, France, Norway, Italy) and the US.

Aircraft:
Operated by a three-class Boeing 777, including Emirates’ signature First Class cabins.

Tourism impact:
Supports Kenya’s goal of attracting 5 million international tourists by 2030.

Cargo growth:
Adds 280 tonnes of weekly belly capacity, especially benefiting perishable exports like fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

Partnerships:
Optimized for seamless connections with Kenya Airways to regional destinations such as Rwanda, Kilimanjaro, Mozambique, and Burundi.

Economic ties:
Strengthens UAE–Kenya relations, following the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement earlier in 2025.

Broader Context
- Emirates has carried 6.6 million passengers to and from Kenya since its inaugural flight in 1995.
- Popular inbound markets include South Korea, China, Thailand, and Australia, while outbound traffic flows strongly to China, Australia, and the US.
- In 2024, Emirates opened Africa’s first Emirates World store in Nairobi, offering immersive retail and booking experiences.

This expansion is not just about more flights—it’s about positioning Nairobi as a stronger hub for both tourism and trade across Africa.