Emirates launched its third daily service between Dubai and Nairobi on 1 July, with EK717 arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport just after 05:00 local time. The addition brings the airline to 21 weekly flights on the route, which it has served since 1995.
The new flight is timed to suit transit passengers at both ends. EK717 departs Dubai at 01:20, arriving Nairobi at 05:25, giving travellers from the US and Europe a convenient morning arrival with enough time to reach destinations outside the city, including national park lodges and coastal properties. The return, EK718, leaves Nairobi at 07:10 and lands in Dubai at 13:15, opening same-day connections into the UK, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy and Portugal.
“For three decades, Kenya has been one of Emirates’ most important destinations in Africa, and this third daily service reflects both the strength of that relationship and our confidence in the country’s future. More than adding capacity, this flight creates better connections for travellers from across Europe, North America and beyond, making it easier for people to visit Kenya, do business here, and connect with family and opportunities. It is an investment in a market we know well and a commitment to supporting Kenya’s growing role as a regional and global gateway,” Christophe Leloup, Emirates’ Country Manager for Kenya said in a statement.
“I congratulate Emirates on the launch of its third scheduled flight into Nairobi. This is a strong vote of confidence in Kenya’s aviation, tourism and trade sectors. Kenya and the UAE have enjoyed cordial and mutually beneficial relations over the years, and we look forward to strengthening this partnership even further. I am also confident that Emirates will soon benefit from the ongoing modernisation of JKIA, which is designed to improve efficiency, capacity, and the overall passenger experience,” Teresia Mbaika, CBS, Principal Secretary, Aviation and Aerospace Development added..
In the three decades since its first Nairobi service, Emirates says it has carried over six million passengers to and from Kenya, connecting the country to more than 138 destinations via Dubai.
The new frequency adds 280 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity. Combined with Emirates SkyCargo’s three existing weekly freighters out of Nairobi, the airline now moves over 1,100 tonnes of goods in and out of Kenya every week. The early morning departure is particularly useful for the country’s flower and fresh produce exporters, whose perishable shipments can reach European and Gulf markets the same day they are harvested.
Emirates signed an interline agreement with Kenya Airways in 2023, and over 31,000 passengers have since moved between the two airlines’ networks, continuing to destinations including Rwanda, Kilimanjaro and Mozambique. The additional daily service adds departure options that simplify those onward connections.
The launch comes after Kenya and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement earlier this year. Kenya has set a target of welcoming five million international tourists by 2030, and officials at the inaugural arrival framed the new service as a contribution to that goal.
“As we continue to showcase Kenya to the world, enhanced air connectivity plays a vital role in movement of people, goods and services while helping more travellers discover the incredible diversity of our destination. Emirates’ third daily service to Nairobi will make it even easier for visitors to experience Kenya’s spectacular wildlife, pristine coastline, vibrant culture and warm hospitality. We welcome this important investment in connectivity and look forward to inspiring more travellers to visit our magical destination – ‘the origin of wonder’,” Ambassador. (Professor.) Julius K. Bitok, CBS. Principal Secretary, State Department for Tourism said.
“As Kenya continues to pursue ambitious tourism growth, strong international air connectivity remains one of our greatest enablers. The third daily service from Emirates will improve access for visitors from key global markets and support our efforts to grow tourism, create jobs and deliver greater economic value for communities across the country. Together with partners like Emirates, we look forward to welcoming more travellers to experience the unparalleled beauty and diversity of Destination Kenya,” June Chepkemei, the CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board added.
