Emirates Marks Thirty Years of Service to Nairobi with 6.6 Million Passengers

Emirates is celebrating thirty years of operations to Nairobi, Kenya. Since its inaugural flight in October 1995, the airline has carried more than 6.6 million passengers on over 34,000 flights between Dubai and the Kenyan capital.

The route is served with a double daily Boeing 777 service. In the past year, key inbound travellers have arrived from markets in Asia and Australasia, while outbound traffic from Kenya has flown to destinations such as China, Australia, and the United States.

In 2023, Emirates and Kenya Airways entered an interline partnership. The agreement has since been used by 31,000 passengers, providing connectivity to destinations across East Africa like Rwanda, Malawi, and Tanzania.

Christophe Leloup, Country Manager for Kenya at Emirates, 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.”

Nairobi is home to Africa’s first Emirates World travel store, which opened in 2024. The airline also remains the only carrier serving Kenya with private, enclosed First Class cabins.

Emirates SkyCargo supports Kenyan exports, having uplifted over 16,000 tonnes of fresh cut flowers in 2024 alone. The airline is also a significant employer, with more than 1,100 Kenyans working for the Emirates Group in roles including cabin crew, pilots, and ground staff.

Through the Emirates Airline Foundation, the airline supports three Kenyan humanitarian organisations focused on child welfare: The Little Prince Nursery and Primary School, Alfajiri Street Kids, and the Starehe Boys’ Centre.