Emirates Marks 30 Years of Flying to Nairobi, Strengthening Kenya–UAE Ties

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is celebrating 30 years of successful operations in Nairobi, marking a major milestone in its long-standing partnership with Kenya. Since its inaugural flight in October 1995, Emirates has transported over 6.6 million passengers between Nairobi and Dubai, operating more than 34,250 flights over the past three decades.

Currently serving Nairobi with a double daily Boeing 777 service, Emirates connects Kenya’s capital, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities with more than 145 destinations across its global network, facilitating both trade and tourism. Over the past year, inbound traffic has primarily come from Asia and Australasia, including South Korea, China, Thailand, and Australia, as well as from ultra-long-haul markets such as the United States. Outbound travellers from Kenya have increasingly been heading to destinations such as Shanghai, Beijing, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Seattle, New York, and Washington. 

In 2023, Emirates deepened its presence in East Africa through an interline partnership with Kenya Airways, providing passengers with seamless one-ticket itineraries and access to popular regional destinations. Since the partnership began, 31,000 passengers have benefited from the collaboration — evenly split between Emirates and Kenya Airways customers. The most popular onward destinations for Emirates travellers include Rwanda, Malawi, Tanzania (Kilimanjaro), Mozambique, and Burundi.

Commenting on the anniversary, Christophe Leloup, Emirates’ Country Manager for Kenya, said:
“Since launch, Nairobi has been one of the most consistently busy destinations on our African network, not just with international tourists but with corporate travellers connecting with one of the continent’s major economic hubs. Over the last three decades, we have steadily and strategically expanded our operations both in the skies and on the ground to provide our renowned world-class experience in Kenya. We are proud to play a key role in Kenya’s aviation, tourism and trade journey and remain committed to the destination for the decades to come.”

Earlier this year, Nairobi became home to Africa’s first Emirates World travel store, introducing the airline’s reimagined retail concept. Located in The Cube on Riverside Drive, the store offers customers expert travel advice, immersive experiences, and access to the airline’s premium services.

Emirates remains the only airline serving Kenya with private, enclosed first-class suites. Passengers in every cabin enjoy generous baggage allowances two 23kg bags in Economy and two 32kg bags in Business and First Class alongside regionally inspired cuisine from award-winning chefs and over 6,500 channels of entertainment, including Kenyan films, TV shows, and music.

Kenya and the UAE continue to strengthen their bilateral ties, underscored by the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) earlier this year. Emirates SkyCargo, the airline’s freight arm, plays a vital role in supporting Kenya’s global trade, operating three weekly freighters into Nairobi in addition to bellyhold cargo on passenger flights. In 2024 alone, Emirates SkyCargo transported more than 16,000 tonnes of fresh-cut flowers, including roses, carnations, and chrysanthemums from Kenyan farms to international markets within 24 hours.

Beyond aviation, Emirates contributes to local employment and social impact. The airline employs 50 staff members in Nairobi and over 1,100 Kenyans across its global operations, including 254 cabin crew and 41 pilots.

Through the Emirates Airline Foundation, the carrier supports three Kenyan humanitarian organisations focused on child welfare:

• The Little Prince Nursery and Primary School, which offers holistic education and rehabilitation for children, supported by Emirates since 2014;

• Alfajiri Street Kids, providing art therapy and safe spaces for more than 200 children; and

• Starehe Boys’ Centre, where the Foundation funds four-year scholarships for 10 underprivileged students.

As Emirates celebrates 30 years in Nairobi, the airline reaffirms its commitment to deepening its role in Kenya’s aviation, tourism, and economic growth for generations to come.