flydubai Expands UAE–Kenya Connectivity with New Nairobi Route and Increased Frequencies
On October 15th, flydubai celebrated a major milestone by launching its new four-times-weekly service between Dubai International (DXB) and Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). This first flight, greeted by a traditional water cannon salute upon arrival in Nairobi, marks a significant step in strengthening the air bridge between the United Arab Emirates and Kenya, and further cements flydubai’s expanding footprint in East Africa.
Operating from Terminal 3 at Dubai International, flydubai’s flights to Nairobi now run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This schedule provides Kenyan and regional travellers with enhanced flexibility for both business and leisure travel, creating new opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment flows between the two countries. For African travel professionals, this new route is a valuable addition to the growing network options connecting East Africa to the Gulf and broader international markets.
The Nairobi launch comes on the heels of another enhancement: as of October 1st, flydubai increased its flights to Mombasa to a daily service. These recent developments bring the airline’s total operations in Kenya to an impressive 11 flights per week. With Nairobi now added, flydubai continues to build on its strategy to offer more direct connections from the UAE to key African cities, reinforcing its role as a dynamic connector on the continent.
Beyond Kenya, flydubai’s African network now encompasses 12 destinations, including Alexandria, Addis Ababa, Al Alamein (as a seasonal summer route), Asmara, Cairo, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Mombasa, Nairobi, and Zanzibar. This expansion not only broadens the travel landscape for passengers originating in Africa but also positions Dubai as an even more attractive hub for connections to Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Nairobi itself offers a compelling mix of attractions and advantages. As Kenya’s capital and largest city, it is a thriving urban centre renowned for its modern infrastructure and vibrant cultural scene. Nairobi serves as a vital business and financial hub for the East African region, attracting multinational companies, entrepreneurs, and investors. Its proximity to natural attractions—such as Nairobi National Park and the Giraffe Centre—makes it a gateway for travellers seeking wildlife experiences, eco-tourism, and adventure. The city’s bustling markets and diverse culinary scene offer additional appeal for international visitors.
For the African travel sector, flydubai’s latest move is a timely response to shifting market dynamics and rising demand for more accessible, reliable air travel options. The new route from Dubai to Nairobi is expected to stimulate both inbound and outbound tourism, support diaspora travel, and facilitate greater business engagement across the East African corridor. Travel professionals can leverage these connections to design more competitive itineraries and capitalize on Dubai’s global connectivity, including seamless links to flydubai’s codeshare partner, Emirates.
The strategic growth of flydubai’s Kenyan network is also a reflection of the carrier’s broader ambitions in Africa. By adding frequencies, introducing new destinations, and deploying modern aircraft, flydubai is laying the groundwork for increased capacity and improved passenger experience. These enhancements offer African industry stakeholders new opportunities for collaboration, joint promotions, and tailored travel solutions—particularly as business, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), and VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) segments gain momentum in the region.
Ultimately, flydubai’s expanded operations in Kenya signal a positive trend for the continent’s aviation sector. With competitive fares, flexible schedules, and direct access to a major international hub, Kenyan travellers and businesses stand to benefit from improved connectivity and greater choice. For sub-Saharan travel professionals, staying attuned to such developments will be key to capturing future demand, developing new partnerships, and maintaining a competitive edge as regional air travel continues to evolve.
