The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has welcomed Etihad Airways’ announcement of a major capacity boost on the Abu Dhabi–Nairobi route, reaffirming the strong and growing ties between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates.
During a stakeholder engagement in Nairobi on 21st August 2025, attended by Etihad Airways senior management, KATA Chairman Dr. Joseph Kithitu joined industry leaders in celebrating the airline’s plan to increase frequencies from the current four weekly flights to a full double-daily service by December 2025. This expansion represents a more than threefold increase in capacity and reflects rising travel demand since the route’s launch in December 2024.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Kithitu highlighted the significance of the development for Kenya’s travel and tourism sector. “KATA is committed to supporting partnerships that enhance connectivity and open up greater opportunities for both leisure and business travelers. Etihad’s investment in the Nairobi route is a strong vote of confidence in our market, and we stand ready to work alongside the airline to ensure our members can deliver even more value to their clients,” he said.
Etihad Airways’ Vice President of Global Sales and Distribution, Javier Alija, reaffirmed the airline’s confidence in Kenya as one of Africa’s most dynamic aviation markets, underscoring the importance of the expansion in improving connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
For KATA, the enhanced service strengthens the travel ecosystem and supports agents in meeting the evolving needs of customers. “This development aligns perfectly with our mission to connect Kenyan travelers with the world while promoting Kenya as a destination of choice,” Dr. Kithitu added.
The expanded schedule will see Etihad operating 14 weekly flights to Nairobi by 15th December 2025, offering travelers improved access to more than 80 global destinations across the airline’s network while providing UAE residents with greater opportunities to experience Kenya’s wildlife, coastal attractions, and mountain landscapes.
KATA’s presence at the event demonstrated the association’s continued commitment to advocacy and collaboration in positioning Kenya as a competitive global travel hub.