UAE national carrier Etihad Airways has resumed flights from Abu Dhabi to Nairobi, increasing connectivity between the UAE and Kenya. The route marks another milestone in the airline’s route expansion in 2024.
Connecting two capitals
While the route was initially scheduled to start in May 2024, Etihad has officially returned to Nairobi this month. The inaugural flight (EY767) was operated on December 15, 2024, with the Airbus A320-200 . The aircraft landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) at 13:40 local time, where it was welcomed with a water cannon salute.
Photo: Etihad Airways
Operating from Etihad’s base at Zayed International Airport (AUH), the service creates a vital connection between the UAE’s capital and one of the key African hubs. Etihad is currently the only airline flying between the two cities. Flights to Nairobi will operate four times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays with the following schedule:
Flight
Route
Dep Time
Arr Time
EY767
AUH-NBO
09:05
13:30
EY768
NBO-AUH
18:20
00:20 (+1)
The new route will strengthen ties between the Middle East and East Africa, further supporting tourism between the UAE and Kenya. Speaking about the service, Etihad Airways Chief Revenue Officer Arik De said,
“The introduction of our Nairobi service enhances our growing network while responding to strong travel demand between the UAE and Kenya, as demonstrated by today’s completely full inaugural flight.”
“As both Abu Dhabi and Kenya experience remarkable tourism growth and set ambitious targets for the future, this route creates valuable opportunities for both destinations. The service strengthens the important ties between our regions, supporting Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub while providing enhanced access to Kenya’s thriving tourism market.”
Supporting international tourism
Flying between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi provides a convenient connection between two cities known for their unique attractions. Abu Dhabi features a blend of modern attractions and cultural heritage, including the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre. Meanwhile, Nairobi combines its commercial strength with natural wonders, including Nairobi National Park, a wildlife reserve located within the city.
Photo: Etihad Airways
Etihad initially announced its return to Nairobi in October 2023 , with the route expected to kick off on May 1, 2024. However, due to undisclosed reasons, the inaugural flight was canceled, and the route was ultimately postponed. The airline planned to operate daily flights with the A320.
Etihad last served Nairobi in 2021, operating two weekly flights with the Boeing 787-9 . The resumption of Nairobi flights follows Etihad’s successful expansion to Antalya, Bali, Boston, Jaipur, Kozhikode, Mykonos, Nice, Qassim, and Thiruvananthapuram in 2024. Heading into the new year, the airline plans to 13 new destinations in 2025.
According to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company, over 40 weekly flights are scheduled between Kenya and the UAE, operating from three different Emirates. Kenya Airways and Emirates fly between Dubai and Nairobi, while flydubai operates flights from Dubai to Mombasa and then Air Arabia from Sharjah to Nairobi.
Etihad’s Africa expansion
Africa has seen an uptick in international traffic over the last few years , with many new intercontinental routes and new airlines entering the market. Etihad is among the airlines that are increasing their footprint in Africa. Nairobi is the airline’s fifth destination on the continent after Johannesburg, Casablanca, Cairo, and Mahé.
Photo: Etihad Airways
The carrier will fly to three more African cities in 2025, doubling the number of destinations served throughout most of 2024. It will launch flights to El Alamein (Egypt) from July 17, Tunis (Tunisia) from November 1, and Algiers (Algeria), from November 7.
