Emirates launches third daily flight in between Dubai-Nairobi
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This expansion brings the total to 21 weekly flights on the route.
Emirates has launched its third daily service between Dubai and Nairobi, with the inaugural flight EK717 arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 05:00 am on July 1, 2026. This expansion brings the total to 21 weekly flights on the route, significantly bolstering global connectivity and supporting Kenya’s tourism and trade sectors.
Flight EK717 departs Dubai at 01:20 and arrives in Nairobi at 05:25, optimized for connections from major US and European gateways. The return leg, EK718, departs Nairobi at 07:10 and reaches Dubai at 13:15, facilitating seamless onward travel to key European markets including the UK, France, and Spain.
The morning arrival in Nairobi allows leisure travellers easier access to regional destinations beyond the capital, while the early outbound service enables business travellers to make same-day connections to European commercial hubs such as London and Paris.
Christophe Leloup, Emirates’ Country Manager for Kenya, led Dr. Salim Ibrahim Bin Ahmed Mohammed Alnaqbi, the UAE Ambassador to Kenya; Teresia Mbaika, Principal Secretary of State Department for Aviation & Aerospace Development under Ministry of Roads and Transport; Ambassador. (Professor.) Julius K. Bitok, CBS. Principal Secretary, State Department for Tourism; and Emirates staff in welcoming the flight on the runway, marking this significant milestone.
Leloup said, “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.”
“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,” noted Mbaika.
Enabling Pan-Africa connections, Emirates signed an interline partnership with Kenya Airways in 2023, and to date, over 31,000 passengers have already travelled between the two airlines’ networks, continuing to Rwanda, Kilimanjaro, Mozambique, and beyond. The third daily service provides more options for travellers with additional departure times that simplify regional onward travel.
Earlier this year, Kenya and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, deepening ties between the two countries in many ways beyond aviation. Kenya aims to welcome 5 million international tourists by 2030, an ambition that relies heavily on making the country easier to access from important markets. Emirates’ three daily flights from Dubai, along with onward connections across Europe and North America, play a significant role in achieving that goal.
Ambassador. (Professor.) Julius K. Bitok, CBS. Principal Secretary, State Department for Tourism said, “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’”.
June Chepkemei, the CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board 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.”
