Emirates to Launch Third Daily Dubai–Nairobi Flight in 2026, Boosting Connectivity and Cargo Capacity
Emirates will introduce a third daily flight on the Dubai–Nairobi route starting 1 March 2026, marking a major milestone as the airline celebrates 30 years of service in Kenya. The additional frequency will increase weekly flights to 21, offering greater connectivity to Dubai and Emirates’ global network of nearly 150 destinations.
The new service will feature an early-morning arrival and departure, significantly improving two-way connections to major European cities—including London, Paris, Oslo and Rome—as well as key destinations in the United States. This enhanced accessibility aligns with Kenya’s national goal of attracting five million international tourists by 2030.
Designated EK717/718, the new flight will be operated using a three-class Boeing 777 aircraft, featuring Emirates’ signature First Class experience—the only First Class product available on the Nairobi route.
According to the airline, existing double-daily flights continue to record strong seat factors, reflecting sustained demand for travel to and from the Kenyan capital.
The expansion will also benefit exporters. The additional frequency adds 280 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity, supporting Kenya’s thriving export sector. The early-morning departure is expected to offer a competitive advantage for exporters of fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables and cut flowers.
The new schedule has been designed to complement services offered by Kenya Airways, providing smooth onward connections to regional destinations including Rwanda, Kilimanjaro, Mozambique and Burundi. Since the launch of their interline partnership in 2023, more than 31,000 passengers have utilised the combined network.
This development comes during a period of deepening UAE–Kenya economic relations, highlighted by the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement earlier this year.
Emirates SkyCargo continues to support bilateral trade with three weekly freighter flights, bringing total weekly cargo capacity—across passenger and freighter services—to more than 1,100 tonnes.
Over the past three decades, Emirates has carried more than 6.6 million passengers on the Dubai–Nairobi route.
Inbound traffic remains particularly strong from South Korea, China, Thailand, Australia and the United States, while Kenyan travellers continue to favour destinations such as Shanghai, Beijing, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Seattle, New York and Washington.
In 2024, Emirates further strengthened its presence in the region by opening Africa’s first Emirates World retail store in Nairobi, offering customers an immersive and personalised travel experience.
Bookings for all three daily flights are now open through the Emirates website, Emirates app, retail stores and authorised travel agents.
