Emirates to introduce the A350 to Nairobi
Emirates A350 Aircraft
Starting October 25, Nairobi will become the 32nd destination served by the Emirates A350. The A350 is the airline's latest-generation aircraft, introducing an acclaimed Premium Economy cabin to Kenya, along with enhanced Business and Economy Class cabins.
Emirates will soon serve Nairobi with its newest aircraft type, the Airbus A350. From October 25, 2026, the A350 will operate on EK717 and EK718, bringing Emirates’ latest-generation cabin experience to customers travelling between Dubai and Nairobi. The Emirates A350 is defined by spacious, bright cabins, enhanced technology, connectivity, and the airline’s signature hospitality across all three cabins.
The introduction of the A350 also marks the first time airline's Premium Economy cabin will be available to customers flying to and from Kenya, complementing the airline’s enhanced Business and Economy offerings.
Christophe Leloup, Emirates Country Manager in Kenya, said, “The arrival of the A350 in Nairobi marks an exciting new chapter for Emirates in Kenya. We’re delighted to bring our latest aircraft and onboard experience to our customers in market, with more comfort, choice and thoughtful touches in every cabin. Combined with our growing flight schedule, the A350 gives customers travelling on the Dubai-Nairobi route something new to discover, while building on the experience they know and love from Emirates.”
The newest aircraft type to join Emirates’ all-widebody fleet, the A350 accommodates 298 passengers in three spacious cabins – Business, Premium Economy and Economy. Making its debut in Kenya, Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin offers elevated comfort, more legroom, in-seat charging points, a wood-finished side cocktail table, a TV screen, and complimentary amenity kits on select flights – including the Dubai-Nairobi route.
Business Class is configured in a 1-2-1 layout, with fully lie-flat seats, a personal minibar and wireless charging for comfort and convenience. Economy Class features an all-new, airy colour palette of sky blue, bronze and cream, an inflight entertainment system and extra legroom.
The deployment of the A350 follows a series of enhancements to the airline’s customer proposition in Kenya, including the introduction of the third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi in July. With 21 flights per week, customers have greater flexibility and connections between Kenya and key markets across Europe and the US, via Dubai.
Nairobi is also home to Africa’s first Emirates World store, which opened in 2024, offering customers a more immersive way to discover Emirates’ products, while offering more convenience and personalised service. Earlier this year, the airline introduced further flexibility for customers in Kenya through a partnership with Cellulant, launching a split-payment solution that allows travellers to combine multiple payment methods across 24-hour instalments when purchasing airfares.
