Kenya’s tourism sector has commended the government for attracting more international flights.
This follows the launch of Flydubai’s new Nairobi–Dubai service, a move expected to strengthen the country’s position as a top African travel destination.
Flydubai launches flights to JKIA
On Wednesday, October 15, Dubai-based carrier Flydubai touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) with 80 passengers aboard its inaugural flight to Nairobi.
The airline became the fifth international carrier to launch operations into Kenya this year alone.
Flydubai will now operate four weekly flights to Nairobi, complementing its existing daily service to Mombasa.
Tourism stakeholders laud new carriers
Speaking during the reception of the passengers at JKIA, Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) CEO Nicanor Sabula applauded the government’s role in enhancing Kenya’s global air connectivity and urged local travel agents to capitalise on the new opportunity.
“I want to thank the government for its efforts to open up the Kenyan market to the world through these new flights. This is the fifth airline this year alone; it’s commendable. I now encourage our travel agents to take full advantage of these new opportunities to package the destination better in order to attract more travellers,” Sabula said.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, in a speech read on her behalf by Kenya Tourism Board Acting CEO Allan Njoroge, hailed the route as a “strategic bridge” that will deepen Kenya’s integration into global tourism and trade flows.
“Dubai today stands as one of the world’s most important aviation and business hubs, connecting destinations across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Through this new service, Flydubai is bringing that connectivity closer to Kenya, offering seamless travel for visitors and better market access for our entrepreneurs,” the CS said.
Miano noted that the launch comes at a time when Kenya is attracting growing interest from Middle Eastern travellers.
In 2024, over 42,000 visitors from the Middle East arrived in Kenya, a 15% increase from the previous year, with the UAE contributing the largest share.
“Travellers from the Gulf region seek authenticity, adventure, and high-quality experiences, which Kenya offers in abundance. We look forward to welcoming more visitors who will discover our signature offerings and the unmatched warmth of our people,” she said.
She added that the new route would play a vital role in helping Kenya achieve its goal of attracting 5.5 million international visitors by 2027.
1/5: @flydubai has launched a new direct service from Dubai to Nairobi, operating 4 times weekly, & increased its Mombasa route to daily flights. The carrier’s expansion brings its total weekly services to Kenya to 11, reinforcing air links between the UAE & Kenya. pic.twitter.com/IlzkBGi0ug
— Kenya Airports Authority (@KenyaAirports) October 15, 2025
Why did Flydubai launch flight to Nairobi?
Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith described the Nairobi service as a major milestone for both tourism and trade.
“Kenya has a lot of potential, and with this new route, we are optimistic about increasing the frequency of flights to daily for both Mombasa and Nairobi. This new connection will enhance business and leisure travel, benefiting both countries,” Al Ghaith said.
The new flights are expected to significantly boost arrivals from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, a region known for strong spending power and interest in Kenya’s safaris, beaches, and urban lifestyle experiences.
Flydubai’s Nairobi route builds on its successful Mombasa service which was launched in January 2024, and has since expanded to daily operations. The airline now serves 12 destinations across Africa.
Which other carriers launched direct flights in Kenya?
In 2025, the aviation sector recorded a surge in direct international connectivity as five airlines either launched or resumed non-stop services to Nairobi.
Oman’s SalamAir was the first to launch flights from Muscat to Nairobi in March, establishing the only direct link between Oman and Kenya with strong uptake among leisure and religious travellers.
Gulf Air followed in June, resuming its Bahrain–Nairobi route after 13 years to strengthen business and tourism ties within the Gulf–East Africa corridor.
TAAG Angola Airlines joined in September with flights from Luanda.
In October, Flynas inaugurated its Riyadh–Nairobi service targeting Saudi tourists and pilgrims before the latest launch by Flydubai.
