UAE-Kenya travel: Emirates adds third daily Dubai-Nairobi flight
New schedule strengthens tourism, trade and regional travel links
DUBAI – Emirates has expanded its operations between Dubai and Nairobi with the launch of its third daily flight, strengthening air connectivity between the UAE and Kenya.
The new service, EK717, arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport shortly after 05:00 am for its inaugural journey, marking a new milestone in the airline’s three-decade presence in the country.
The additional frequency increases Emirates’ services on the route to 21 weekly flights, providing travellers with more flexibility while supporting Kenya’s ambitions to attract more international visitors. The new schedule has been introduced during the summer travel period, offering improved connections for passengers arriving from major destinations across Europe and North America.
New schedule
Emirates flight EK717 departs Dubai at 01:20 and arrives in Nairobi at 05:25, creating smoother connections for travellers from key US gateways and European cities. The return service, EK718, leaves Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 07:10 and reaches Dubai at 13:15, enabling convenient onward connections to destinations including the UK, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy and Portugal.
The morning arrival in Nairobi provides international travellers with additional time to continue their journeys beyond the capital, including transfers to safari lodges in Kenya’s national parks or destinations along the country’s coastline. For business travellers, the schedule allows same-day onward journeys to major European commercial centres.
The inaugural arrival was welcomed by Christophe Leloup, Emirates’ Country Manager for Kenya, alongside Dr Salim Ibrahim Bin Ahmed Mohammed Alnaqbi, UAE Ambassador to Kenya; Teresia Mbaika, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development under Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport; Ambassador (Professor) Julius K. Bitok, CBS, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Tourism; and Emirates staff.
“For three decades, Kenya has been one of Emirates’ most important destinations in Africa, and this third daily service reflects both the strength of that relationship and our confidence in the country’s future,” said Christophe Leloup, Emirates’ Country Manager for Kenya.
He added that the new service will improve access for travellers from Europe, North America and other regions, while supporting tourism, business travel and connections between communities.
Emirates began flying to Nairobi in 1995 and has since carried more than six million passengers to and from Kenya. Through its Dubai hub, the airline connects the country to more than 138 destinations worldwide.
Emirates in Kenya
Kenya’s aviation sector welcomed the expanded service, with officials highlighting the role of improved connectivity in supporting trade and tourism growth.
“I congratulate Emirates on the launch of its third scheduled flight into Nairobi. This is a strong vote of confidence in Kenya’s aviation, tourism and trade sectors,” said Teresia Mbaika, Principal Secretary of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
She added that Kenya and the UAE have maintained strong relations and that the ongoing modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is expected to enhance efficiency, capacity and the overall passenger experience.
The new frequency also builds on Emirates’ interline partnership with Kenya Airways, launched in 2023. More than 31,000 passengers have travelled across both airlines’ networks, benefiting from connections to destinations including Rwanda, Kilimanjaro, Mozambique and other regional points.
The additional daily flight provides more departure options for passengers travelling across Africa, making regional onward journeys more accessible through Nairobi.
Cargo growth
Alongside passenger connectivity, the new service adds 280 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity between Kenya and global markets. The increase is expected to support exporters, particularly Kenya’s flower and fresh produce industries, by enabling faster transportation to markets in Europe and the Gulf.
With Emirates SkyCargo’s three weekly freighter services already operating to Nairobi, the airline will now transport more than 1,100 tonnes of goods in and out of Kenya every week.
The early morning departure allows fresh products, including flowers, to move from farms to international destinations more efficiently, helping maintain quality and freshness during transit.
Earlier this year, Kenya and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, strengthening cooperation across several sectors beyond aviation.
Kenya aims to welcome five million international tourists by 2030, with improved air access identified as a key factor in achieving the target. Emirates’ expanded Dubai-Nairobi schedule provides additional links from major international markets, including Europe and North America.
Tourism boost
Ambassador (Professor) Julius K. Bitok, CBS, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Tourism, said enhanced air connectivity plays an important role in increasing the movement of people, goods and services.
“Emirates’ third daily service to Nairobi will make it even easier for visitors to experience Kenya’s spectacular wildlife, pristine coastline, vibrant culture and warm hospitality,” he said.
June Chepkemei, CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board, said international air connectivity remains a key driver of tourism growth.
“The third daily service from Emirates will improve access for visitors from key global markets and support our efforts to grow tourism, create jobs and deliver greater economic value for communities across the country,” she said.