Emirates Eyes Expansion in Kenya Amid Rising Demand for Air Travel

 

By Faith Jepleting 

Emirates Airlines is considering expanding its operations in Kenya by increasing the frequency of flights between Nairobi and Dubai, in response to a steady rise in passenger numbers and cargo volumes. The move underscores Kenya’s growing role as a major aviation and trade hub in Africa.

Speaking in Nairobi, Emirates Regional Director and Manager for Kenya, Christophe Leloup, said the Kenyan market has shown impressive resilience and consistent growth over the years.

“Kenya remains one of our most important destinations in Africa. In fact, it is currently our second-best performing route on the continent after South Africa,” Leloup said.

He added that the airline is closely monitoring travel trends and customer demand to determine the feasibility of adding more flights.

“We are studying the possibility of increasing our flight frequency to better serve our customers and support the strong trade and tourism links between Kenya and the UAE,” he noted.

Emirates currently operates daily flights between Nairobi and Dubai, connecting travelers to more than 140 destinations worldwide. Leloup emphasized that the airline’s focus extends beyond passenger traffic to include expanding cargo capacity — particularly to support Kenya’s thriving export sector, including fresh produce and flowers destined for global markets.

If implemented, the expansion would mark a significant boost for Kenya’s aviation and tourism sectors, creating more travel options, stimulating trade, and deepening economic ties between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates.

Industry analysts say the move aligns with a broader trend of international carriers increasing their presence in East Africa, as demand for both business and leisure travel continues to climb.