Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has marked 30 years of operations in Nairobi, solidifying the carrier’s long-term commitment to one of Africa’s fastest-growing economic hubs.
Since its inaugural flight in October 1995, the Dubai-based carrier has transported over 6.6 million passengers on more than 34,250 flights, leveraging its Nairobi service to facilitate crucial trade and tourism between East Africa and its vast global network. The anniversary highlights the deepening commercial and bilateral ties between the United Arab Emirates and Kenya.
Emirates currently operates a double-daily Boeing 777 service, connecting Nairobi to over 145 countries. The route serves as a significant pipeline for high-value inbound traffic from Asia and Australasia—notably South Korea, China, and Australia—as well as ultra-long-haul passengers from the U.S. Outbound traffic follows a similar pattern, connecting Kenyan travelers to major business and leisure destinations like Shanghai, Melbourne, and New York.
Strategic Alliances and Cargo Power
The airline has actively focused on market access through key partnerships. In 2023, Emirates finalized an interline agreement with Kenya’s flag carrier, Kenya Airways, a strategic alliance designed to unlock seamless connectivity to secondary markets across East Africa. In the first two years, this partnership facilitated travel for 31,000 passengers, with popular onward destinations for Emirates travelers including Rwanda, Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro, and Mozambique.
Emirates’ freight division, Emirates SkyCargo, plays a critical role in global trade facilitation, operating three weekly freighters into Nairobi in addition to the bellyhold capacity on passenger aircraft. Kenya’s significant position as a top global flower producer makes this capacity vital. In 2024, SkyCargo uplifted over 16,000 tonnes of fresh cut flowers—such as roses and carnations—transporting the perishable goods from farm to international markets in as little as 24 hours.
Commitment to the Economic Hub
Christophe Leloup, Emirates’ Country Manager for Kenya, noted the strategic importance of the route: “Since launch, Nairobi has been one of the most consistently busy destinations on our African network, not just with international tourists but with corporate travelers connecting with one of the continent’s major economic hubs.”
Leloup added that the airline has strategically expanded its operations over three decades, underscoring its role in Kenya’s aviation and trade journey, an commitment further cemented by the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Kenya earlier this year.
The airline’s local footprint extends to employment, with over 1,100 Kenyans currently employed across The Emirates Group in roles ranging from flight deck and cabin crew to sales and marketing. The airline also operates a recently-opened, centrally-located travel store in Nairobi, reflecting its focus on the premium market. Emirates remains the only carrier serving Kenya with private, enclosed First Class cabins, positioning it to capture high-yield business and luxury travel segments.
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