Emirates marks 30 years of operations to Nairobi

The Dubai-based carrier marks three decades in Kenya, where it has flown more than 6.6 million passengers and expanded trade links through cargo operations, local partnerships and community investment

Emirates has marked 30 years of operations to Nairobi, celebrating three decades in which the airline has carried more than 6.6 million passengers on over 34,000 flights between the Kenyan capital and Dubai.

Since launching its first service in October 1995, the airline has maintained steady growth in Kenya, now operating double daily Boeing 777 flights that connect Nairobi with more than 145 destinations worldwide. 

Passenger traffic has been driven by both business and leisure travel, with inbound demand from Asia, Australasia and the United States, and outbound travel from Kenya to China, Australia and North America.

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

In 2023, Emirates signed an interline partnership with Kenya Airways, offering single-ticket itineraries and greater access to destinations across East Africa. 

Since then, around 31,000 passengers have used the combined network, split almost evenly between the two airlines.

Nairobi also hosts Africa’s first Emirates World retail store, opened in 2024 at The Cube on Riverside Drive, showcasing the airline’s redesigned travel concept. 

Emirates, the only carrier serving Kenya with private enclosed First Class suites, supports several community initiatives in Kenya through the Emirates Airline Foundation, including the Little Prince Nursery and Primary School, Alfajiri Street Kids, and Starehe Boys’ Centre, which provides scholarships for underprivileged students.

READ MORE: ‘United commits to 50% diversity at new pilot school in effort to reshape airline training‘. Plans to train 5,000 new pilots by 2030 — half of them women or people of colour — have been revealed by United Airlines as part of a long-term drive to diversify the profession and address the sector’s looming pilot shortage.

Do you have news to share or expertise to contribute? The European welcomes insights from business leaders and sector specialists. Get in touch with our editorial team to find out more.

_{Main image: Emirates celebrates 30 years of operations to Nairobi. Credit: The Emirates Group}