Emirates adds third flight to this African hub and the move hints at a major shift ahead

Dubai: Emirates will introduce a third daily flight to Nairobi from March 1 2026, strengthening one of its longest-standing African routes as demand on the corridor continues to build. The move comes as the airline marks 30 years of operations to Kenya and adds fresh momentum to the country’s ambition to draw five million international visitors by 2030.

The additional frequency will raise Emirates’ services to 21 flights a week, with the new rotation designed to create an early morning arrival and departure in Nairobi. The timing is aimed at improving connectivity with major European cities, including London, Paris, Oslo and Milan, as well as key US gateways.

According to the airline, EK717 will depart Dubai at 00:55 and land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 05:05. The return flight, EK718, will leave Nairobi at 06:50 and arrive in Dubai at 12:50.

The decision follows months of strong performance on the existing double-daily service, which has been operating at healthy seat factors. The new flight, served by a three-class Boeing 777, will expand access to the carrier’s full premium offering, including First Class cabins operated exclusively on the Nairobi route.

Strengthening regional and global traffic flows

The schedule has been fine-tuned to link with Kenya Airways flights across East and Southern Africa. Since the partnership was signed in 2023, more than 31,000 travellers have used the interline network, with bookings split almost evenly between the two airlines.

This alignment has helped channel passengers into destinations such as Rwanda, Kilimanjaro, Mozambique and Burundi, while providing smoother long-haul connections for Kenyan travellers heading to Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.

Cargo will also benefit. The extra rotation adds around 280 tonnes a week in belly-hold capacity, reinforcing Nairobi’s position as a major export hub for perishables. The early morning departure is expected to support growers and exporters moving fruits, vegetables and flowers that rely on tight turnaround windows.

A deeper economic partnership

The announcement fits into a broader strengthening of UAE–Kenya ties following the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement earlier this year.

Emirates SkyCargo already operates three dedicated freighters into Nairobi every week, and the addition of a third daily passenger service brings the airline’s total weekly freight capacity beyond 1,100 tonnes.

Over the past three decades, more than 6.6 million passengers have flown between Dubai and Nairobi on Emirates, with inbound demand coming from South Korea, China, Thailand, Australia and the United States. Kenyan travellers have shown consistent interest in destinations such as Shanghai, Beijing, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Seattle, New York and Washington.

In 2024, Emirates opened Africa’s first Emirates World store in Nairobi, offering an immersive retail experience with travel consultation, personalised support and on-ground service enhancements.

Bookings for all three daily flights are now open across Emirates channels and travel partners.