NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya Airways has announced it will operate special repatriation flights between Nairobi and Dubai on March 4 and 5, 2026, following approval from Dubai Airport authorities.
In a customer update issued on March 4, the national carrier said it will operate a Nairobi–Dubai flight on March 4 and a Dubai–Nairobi flight on March 5. The airline clarified that these are not regular scheduled services but limited repatriation flights approved by Dubai Airport Management.
The move follows guidance from United Arab Emirates authorities allowing a small number of flights to operate from Dubai International Airport (DXB) strictly for repatriation purposes.
“These are not regular scheduled flights, rather repatriation flights for customers who are citizens or have residency in the UAE to be able to travel out of Nairobi and vice versa,” the airline said.
Kenya Airways urged customers in Dubai not to proceed to the airport until they receive a confirmed departure date and time. Passengers have also been advised to check their flight status on the airline’s website and update their contact details through the “Manage Booking” portal to facilitate direct communication.
The airline apologised for the inconvenience and assured customers that safety remains its top priority.
“The safety of our crew and customers remains our highest priority, and we will communicate directly with affected customers to provide the necessary assistance,” the statement read.
Kenya Airways added that scheduled operations to Dubai have not yet resumed, describing the situation as evolving. The carrier said it will provide further updates once additional approvals are granted by the UAE authorities.
Customers requiring assistance were advised to contact the airline’s Customer Excellence Team via phone or WhatsApp, or through its official social media support channel.
The announcement comes amid ongoing operational adjustments affecting regional and international air travel, with airlines coordinating closely with host governments and airport authorities to manage disruptions.
