NAIROBI, Kenya – Emirates Airline is considering increasing its flight frequency to Nairobi as part of plans to strengthen its presence in East Africa, citing rising passenger and cargo demand in Kenya.
The Dubai-based carrier, which currently operates two daily flights between Nairobi and Dubai, said the move would support Kenya’s growing tourism, business, and export sectors.
According to Emirates Regional Director and Country Manager for Kenya, Christophe Leloup, Kenya has become the airline’s second-best performing market in Africa after South Africa.
“Kenya’s ambition to grow its tourism numbers to five million visitors by 2030 will require more seats, more capacity, and more frequency from Emirates,” Leloup said. “We can realistically offer between 20 and 25 percent growth in the next three years.”
Since launching operations in Kenya three decades ago, Emirates has transported over 6.6 million passengers through Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The airline’s expansion plans align with the government’s tourism agenda, which seeks to attract more international visitors and boost the aviation sector’s contribution to the economy.
Cargo growth and trade links
Emirates is also targeting growth in Kenya’s cargo business, buoyed by the country’s strong agricultural exports.
Leloup revealed that the airline plans to add five new freighter aircraft as part of a 21-plane fleet expansion, enhancing its capacity to move Kenya’s fresh produce, meat, and cut flowers to global markets.
In 2024 alone, Emirates transported 16,000 tonnes of Kenyan flowers, fruits, and vegetables to destinations across the United Arab Emirates, Europe, and beyond.
“Earlier this year, Kenya and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to boost bilateral trade,” Leloup said. “Emirates fully supports Kenya’s goal to expand its exports to the UAE and to international markets.”
Concerns over new levies
Despite the optimism, Leloup cautioned against proposed additional levies on air tickets in Kenya, warning that higher travel costs could slow regional aviation growth.
“I don’t think this is something that IATA or airlines are supporting,” he said. “It adds to the cost of travel, and in Africa, one of the main challenges remains the high cost of air transportation, especially given the limited road infrastructure for regional movement.”
Emirates currently employs over 100,000 staff globally, including more than 1,000 Kenyans — among them 250 cabin crew and over 40 pilots.
The airline says its renewed focus on Kenya underscores a long-term commitment to enhancing connectivity across its network of over 150 destinations worldwide.
