Emirates brings A350 to Nairobi with Premium Economy debut in Kenya
New aircraft adds enhanced cabins, connectivity and entertainment
DUBAI – Emirates is set to introduce its Airbus A350 on flights between Dubai and Nairobi from 25 October 2026, bringing the airline’s latest-generation aircraft and cabin experience to Kenya for the first time.
Nairobi will become the 32nd destination on the Emirates A350 network, with the aircraft operating flights EK717 and EK718. The deployment will also mark the debut of Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin in Kenya, alongside upgraded Business and Economy Class offerings.
The A350 is the newest aircraft type in Emirates’ all-widebody fleet and has been designed around brighter, more spacious cabins, upgraded technology and enhanced connectivity. The aircraft will accommodate 298 passengers across Business, Premium Economy and Economy Class, giving travellers on the Dubai-Nairobi route access to a broader range of cabin options.
Premium debut
The introduction of Premium Economy will give passengers travelling to and from Kenya access to one of Emirates’ newer cabin products. The cabin features spacious leather reclining seats with generous seat pitch, adjustable headrests and additional legroom, alongside in-seat charging points and a wood-finished side cocktail table.
Passengers will also have access to a 13.3-inch entertainment screen, a larger pillow and blanket, and complimentary amenity kits on selected flights, including the Dubai-Nairobi service. The Premium Economy experience also includes Chandon Vintage Brut 2017, a sparkling wine offered exclusively by Emirates.
Business Class on the A350 is arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, allowing every passenger direct access to the aisle. The seats convert into fully lie-flat beds and are finished in soft cream leather, with features including a personal minibar and wireless charging.
A snack display area at the rear of the Business Class cabin will allow passengers to access refreshments throughout the flight, adding another element of flexibility during the journey.
Economy Class has also been redesigned, with a colour palette featuring sky blue, bronze and cream alongside lighter wood finishes. Passengers will have upgraded ice inflight entertainment through a 13.3-inch 4K adjustable touchscreen, while leather headrests and generous seat pitch are designed to provide additional support and legroom.
More flights
The A350 deployment follows a series of changes to Emirates’ Kenya operation, including the launch of a third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi in July. The airline now operates 21 flights per week on the route, providing additional travel options and connections between Kenya and destinations across Europe and the US through Dubai.
Nairobi also has a distinctive place in Emirates’ retail network. The city is home to Africa’s first Emirates World store, which opened in 2024 and provides customers with a dedicated setting to explore the airline’s products and services while accessing personalised assistance.
Emirates has also introduced greater payment flexibility for Kenyan customers through a partnership with Cellulant. The split-payment solution allows travellers to combine multiple payment methods and pay for airfares through instalments over a 24-hour period.
Tickets for the A350-operated service can be booked through Emirates’ website and app, as well as online and offline travel agents and the Emirates World Store in Nairobi.
The airline has also set out flexible booking terms for tickets purchased after 10 August 2026. Customers receive unlimited free date changes when travelling to Dubai and one complimentary date change for travel to other destinations, alongside reduced refund fees across cabins and fare types.