Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is celebrating 30 years of operations in Nairobi, marking three decades of connecting Kenya to the world through its global network.
Since launching its first flight to the Kenyan capital in October 1995, Emirates has carried over 6.6 million passengers on more than 34,250 flights, linking Nairobi to over 145 destinations worldwide.
Currently served by double daily Boeing 777 flights, the route remains one of the busiest on the airline’s African network, facilitating trade, tourism, and investment between Kenya and international markets.
Emirates’ Country Manager for Kenya, Christophe Leloup, described Nairobi as “one of the most consistently busy destinations on our African network,” adding that the airline remains committed to supporting Kenya’s aviation, tourism, and trade growth for decades to come.
To enhance connectivity, Emirates and Kenya Airways signed an interline partnership in 2023, allowing one-ticket travel across both networks. Since then, more than 31,000 passengers have benefited from the partnership, with popular onward destinations including Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, and Burundi.
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In 2024, Nairobi became home to Africa’s first Emirates World Travel Store, an immersive retail space offering travel advice and personalized booking experiences.
Beyond passenger services, Emirates SkyCargo has played a critical role in Kenya’s export economy, transporting over 16,000 tonnes of fresh-cut flowers in 2024 alone, helping maintain Kenya’s status as one of the world’s top four flower producers.
The airline also contributes to local employment, with over 1,100 Kenyans working for the Emirates Group worldwide, including 254 cabin crew and 41 pilots.
Emirates’ community impact extends through the Emirates Airline Foundation, which supports Kenyan humanitarian organizations such as The Little Prince Nursery and Primary School, Alfajiri Street Kids, and Starehe Boys’ Centre, focusing on child welfare, education, and social development.
As Kenya and the UAE deepen economic cooperation through a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed earlier this year, Emirates’ 30-year milestone underscores its enduring role as a bridge between the two nations.
