NAIROBI, Kenya – Emirates will deploy its Airbus A350 on the Nairobi-Dubai route from October 25, 2026, introducing its latest-generation aircraft and Premium Economy cabin to Kenya for the first time.
The aircraft will operate flights EK717 and EK718, making Nairobi the 32nd destination on Emirates’ A350 network.
The 298-seat aircraft will operate with three cabin classes — Business, Premium Economy and Economy — and will bring upgraded seating, entertainment and onboard features to passengers travelling between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Dubai International Airport.
Emirates announced the deployment on September 24, describing the move as part of its continued investment in its Kenyan operation.
The biggest change for Kenyan travellers will be the introduction of Emirates Premium Economy.
The cabin will feature leather reclining seats with generous seat pitch, adjustable headrests and additional legroom. Passengers will also have access to in-seat charging points, wood-finished side cocktail tables and 13.3-inch entertainment screens.
Emirates will provide larger pillows and blankets, while complimentary amenity kits will be available on selected flights, including the Dubai-Nairobi service.
Passengers will also receive Chandon Vintage Brut 2017, the sparkling wine Emirates has selected for its Premium Economy service.
The airline said the cabin is designed to offer an elevated experience between Economy and Business Class, with additional space and comfort for passengers who want more than the standard Economy offering.
The A350 Business Class cabin will use a 1-2-1 configuration, giving every passenger direct access to the aisle.
The seats will convert into fully lie-flat beds and feature soft cream leather upholstery, personal minibars and wireless charging.
Emirates has also installed a self-service snack display at the rear of the Business Class cabin, allowing passengers to access refreshments during the flight. The configuration gives passengers greater privacy and eliminates the need to climb over another passenger to reach the aisle.
Economy Class will also receive a redesigned cabin and upgraded entertainment system. Emirates has used sky blue, bronze and cream tones for the cabin, alongside lighter-toned wood finishes.
Passengers will have access to the airline’s ice inflight entertainment system through 13.3-inch 4K adjustable touchscreen displays.
The airline will also provide leather headrests, generous seat pitch and additional legroom.
The A350’s cabin design combines the refreshed interiors with updated entertainment and connectivity features across the three classes.
The A350 deployment follows Emirates’ expansion of its Nairobi schedule earlier this year.
In July, the airline introduced a third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi, increasing the route to 21 flights per week.
Flight EK717 departs Dubai at 1:20am and arrives in Nairobi at 5:25am, while EK718 departs Nairobi at 7:10am and arrives in Dubai at 1:15pm, according to Emirates’ published schedule.
The additional service gives travellers more options when connecting through Dubai to destinations in Europe, the United States and other markets.
Emirates said the new morning service also supports tourism by allowing international visitors arriving in Nairobi to continue to destinations outside the capital on the same day.
For business travellers, the schedule creates opportunities for onward connections to European commercial centres.
Emirates Country Manager in Kenya Christophe Leloup said the aircraft would build on the airline’s existing presence in the Kenyan market.
“The arrival of the A350 in Nairobi marks an exciting new chapter for Emirates in Kenya,” Leloup said.
He added that the airline was bringing its latest aircraft and onboard experience to Kenyan customers.
“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,” Leloup said.
Leloup said the A350, combined with the airline’s expanded flight schedule, would give passengers travelling on the Dubai-Nairobi route a new experience while maintaining the service they already associate with Emirates.
The Nairobi deployment forms part of Emirates’ wider A350 expansion.
The airline said it had received 11 new A350 aircraft since January 2026, with another six expected before the end of the year.
Emirates currently operates the A350 to 30 destinations and expects the network to reach 36 destinations by the end of 2026. Nairobi is among the destinations scheduled to receive the aircraft in late October.
The airline has also continued expanding its Premium Economy offering across its wider network, with the cabin now available on a growing number of aircraft and routes.
The A350 launch adds to Emirates’ recent investments in its Kenyan operation.
Nairobi is home to Africa’s first Emirates World store, which opened in 2024 and offers customers access to Emirates products and personalised services.
The airline also introduced a split-payment solution in Kenya through a partnership with Cellulant, allowing travellers to combine multiple payment methods when purchasing airfares through 24-hour instalments.
Emirates said tickets for the A350-operated flights are already available through its website, mobile application, travel agents and the Emirates World Store in Nairobi.
