Emirates will significantly expand its presence in East Africa with the launch of a third daily Dubai–Nairobi flight starting 1 March 2026, marking a major capacity boost as the airline celebrates 30 years in Kenya.
The extra frequency increases service to 21 flights per week, strengthening links to Dubai and onward connections across Emirates’ global network of nearly 150 destinations. The new rotation — EK717/718, operated by a three-class Boeing 777 — adds an early morning arrival and departure, offering improved connectivity to major European and US cities.
The schedule has been designed to align with Kenya Airways’ regional network, supporting seamless travel to destinations including Rwanda, Kilimanjaro, Mozambique and Burundi. Since their 2023 interline agreement, more than 31,000 passengers have used the combined networks.
For Kenya’s tourism sector, which aims to attract 5 million annual visitors by 2030, Emirates says the additional daily flight will expand access from key long-haul markets. Cargo capacity will also rise, with an extra 280 tonnes weekly, benefiting exports of perishables such as flowers, fruit and vegetables.
The announcement comes shortly after the carrier marked three decades of operations in Kenya. Emirates has carried over 6.6 million passengers on the route since 1995 and continues to grow its footprint, including with the opening of Africa’s first Emirates World retail store in Nairobi last year.