Etihad Airways has announced a significant expansion of its operations in Kenya, less than a year after launching direct flights between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi. The UAE-based carrier will increase the frequency of flights on the route from the current four weekly services to eight per week by October, and further to 14 weekly flights equivalent to a double-daily service by December 15, 2025.
The upgrade marks a more than threefold increase in weekly seat capacity, from approximately 600 to over 2,200 seats. This bold move reflects both surging demand for travel between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates and Etihad’s growing confidence in the strength and potential of the Kenyan aviation market.
Javier Alija, Etihad’s Vice President of Global Sales and Distribution, hailed the rapid growth as unprecedented in the airline’s recent history. “We wouldn’t grow into Nairobi if it wasn’t for the strong performance of the way we are growing. We have never done something like this, to go from launch to double daily in a year it’s remarkable,” Alija said. He emphasized that the success of the route so far has been driven by a healthy balance of inbound and outbound passenger traffic.
The airline views this expansion as a strategic investment in East Africa. Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, is not only a key business and tourism hub but also a vital gateway to the region. The enhanced schedule is expected to improve connectivity for travelers and businesses alike, facilitating smoother travel between East Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
“When there is no healthy competition, people and businesses can become complacent, and we don’t ever want to do that. Beyond Borders is our company’s slogan; we can never stop innovating,” Alija added, underscoring Etihad’s commitment to staying competitive and customer-focused.
This move forms part of Etihad’s wider African growth strategy, which includes launching new destinations, ramping up flight frequencies, and forging stronger partnerships with regional carriers. As the continent’s travel market continues to expand, Etihad is positioning itself as a key player, enhancing accessibility and connectivity across Africa.
With the Nairobi–Abu Dhabi route now on a fast track to double-daily service, Kenyan travelers can look forward to greater flexibility, improved service options, and more seamless international connections in the months ahead.
