UAE–Kenya travel: flydubai launches first Nairobi flights
Dubai airline now flies to 12 destinations across eight African countries
DUBAI – flydubai has celebrated the start of its first flights to Nairobi, enhancing air connectivity between the UAE and Kenya.
The Dubai-based carrier’s inaugural flight landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) on Wednesday, where it received a traditional water cannon salute and a warm welcome from senior officials representing the Kenya Tourism Board, the Kenya Airports Authority, and the Kenya Association of Travel Agents.
Operating four times a week, the new Dubai-Nairobi route strengthens flydubai’s growing footprint in Africa. The airline now serves 12 destinations across eight African countries, offering travellers more convenient access to East Africa’s key business and leisure hubs.
Expanding African footprint
Earlier this month, flydubai increased flights to Mombasa to a daily service, bringing its total operations to Kenya to 11 flights per week. The addition of Nairobi marks the carrier’s second Kenyan destination and continues its strategy to improve connectivity across the continent.
flydubai’s African destinations now include Alexandria, Addis Ababa, Al Alamein (seasonal summer route), Asmara, Cairo, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Mombasa, and Zanzibar.
Gateway to East Africa
As Kenya’s capital and largest city, Nairobi is a major commercial hub and a gateway to the region’s world-famous wildlife reserves. The city offers a striking contrast of modern skyscrapers and natural beauty, home to Nairobi National Park – where lions and giraffes can be seen with the skyline in the background – as well as cultural landmarks and lively markets.
Its strategic location and vibrant economy make Nairobi a significant link for business travellers and tourists alike, further connecting East Africa to Dubai’s global aviation network.
Flight schedules and fares
Flights between Dubai International Airport (Terminal 3) and Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Return Business Class fares from Dubai to Nairobi start from Dh4,500, while Economy Class Lite fares begin at Dh1,450. From Nairobi, return Business Class fares to Dubai start from $2,000 and Economy Class Lite fares from $440.
| Flight Number | Departure Airport | Arrival Airport | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
| FZ 1581 | DXB | NBO | 13:30 | 17:55 |
| FZ 1582 | NBO | DXB | 18:55 | 01:20 |
All flight times are local, and tickets are available through flydubai.com, the official flydubai app, the UAE Contact Centre, flydubai travel shops, and authorised travel partners.