Emirates will launch a third daily service between Nairobi and Dubai from 1st March 2026, a move expected to strengthen Kenya’s inbound tourism growth and deepen the country’s air connectivity with major global markets. The additional frequency will raise the weekly total to 21 flights, expanding access between Kenya, Dubai and nearly 150 international destinations.
The new service marks Emirates’ 30 years of operations in Kenya and introduces an early morning arrival and departure that improves two-way links with major European markets such as the UK, France, Norway and Italy, as well as the United States. Emirates said the additional flight will support Kenya’s goal of attracting 5 million international tourists by 2030. The new rotation, EK717, will depart Dubai at 00:55 hrs and land in Nairobi at 05:05 hrs. The return flight, EK718, will leave at 06:50 hrs and arrive in Dubai at 12:50 hrs.
Emirates has been operating its double daily flights at a strong seat factor in recent months, showing the growing demand for travel on the route. The new service, operated with a three-class Boeing 777, will increase capacity and offer more passengers access to Emirates’ First Class cabins, which the airline exclusively operates on Nairobi flights.
The updated schedule has been aligned with Kenya Airways’ key regional flights, making onward travel smoother to destinations including Rwanda, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mozambique and Burundi. Since the two airlines signed their interline agreement in 2023, more than 31,000 passengers have used the partnership, split almost evenly between both carriers.
Cargo movement will also benefit, with an additional 280 tonnes of weekly capacity on the Boeing 777. The early morning departure is expected to support Kenya’s perishables sector, especially fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers that rely on timely and temperature-controlled transport.
Kenya and the UAE continue to strengthen their economic ties, reflected in this year’s signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Emirates SkyCargo already supports trade through three weekly freighters into Nairobi, and with the expanded passenger schedule, total weekly capacity will exceed 1,100 tonnes.
Emirates celebrated 30 years of service to Nairobi in October, having carried more than 6.6 million passengers since its first flight in 1995. Key inbound markets include South Korea, China, Thailand and Australia, along with long-haul travellers from the United States. Outbound demand mirrors this, with popular destinations including Shanghai, Beijing, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Seattle, New York and Washington.
In 2024, Emirates also opened Africa’s first Emirates World store in Nairobi, offering an enhanced retail and travel consultation experience for customers in the region.
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