Emirates to Launch Third Daily Flight from Dubai to Nairobi in March 2026

To celebrate Emirates’ 30 years of service in Kenya, the airline has announced the addition of a third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Starting March 1, 2026, travelers can enjoy 21 Emirates flights weekly, facilitating connections to nearly 150 global destinations through Dubai.

The new service will enhance Emirates’ existing route to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). It includes morning arrivals and departures, significantly improving connectivity with essential European and American cities, such as those in the UK, France, Norway, and the US.

The EK717 flight will take off from Dubai (DXB) at 00:55, reaching Nairobi at 05:05. Passengers can catch the return flight EK718 at 06:50, landing back in Dubai by 12:50. All operations will utilize Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which feature a three-class setup, allowing for a comfortable experience.

What the Airline Says

Emirates expressed, “With expanded access to key markets, this additional frequency will bolster Kenya’s tourism objectives, targeting five million international visitors by 2030.” The airline noted that its existing double daily flights are running successfully, underscoring a rising demand for air travel. The third flight will enhance Emirates’ capacity and customer access to their premium services, especially the exclusive First Class cabins offered in this route.

This new route not only increases connection options via Dubai International Airport but also optimally aligns with key Kenya Airways flights, facilitating smoother travel to regional destinations such as Rwanda, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Mozambique, and Burundi.

Since entering a partnership with Kenya Airways in 2023, over 31,000 passengers have benefited, with bookings nearly evenly split. This success highlights the advantages for travelers using either airline.

Cargo Gets a Boost

The added flight service also enhances cargo capacity, permitting an additional 280 tonnes of goods to travel weekly into and out of Nairobi. The early morning departure is especially advantageous for transporting sensitive items like fresh produce and flowers, which are vital to Kenya’s economy.

Kenya and the UAE maintain strong economic ties, reinforced by a comprehensive partnership agreement signed earlier in 2025. Emirates SkyCargo, the airline’s freight division, supports global trade with Kenya by operating three dedicated cargo flights to Nairobi, alongside the forthcoming three daily passenger flights, collectively offering over 1,100 tonnes of weekly capacity.

Connecting Passengers Are the Key to Success

October marked the 30th anniversary of Emirates’ Nairobi service, which began with its first flight in 1995. Since then, the airline has transported over 6.6 million passengers, facilitating significant inbound travel from countries like South Korea, China, and Australia, as well as long-haul travelers from the US.

Outbound travel from Kenya also exhibits similar trends, with popular routes to cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney, along with major US destinations like Seattle, New York, and Washington.

In 2024, Emirates unveiled Africa’s first Emirates World store in Nairobi, enhancing its already remarkable customer service standards by providing a modern retail experience with tailored travel consultations.