In a strategic move to deepen its presence in East Africa, Etihad Airways has today announced a substantial increase in its flight services between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi, dramatically ramping up capacity and reaffirming Kenya’s appeal as a pivotal aviation market.
As of August 21, 2025, Etihad confirmed plans to increase its current four weekly flights to eight by October. Even more striking, the airline will escalate operations further to fourteen weekly flights starting December 15, effectively tripling its service frequency on the route.
This expansion follows the successful relaunch of the Abu Dhabi–Nairobi route in December 2024 and reflects sustained strong demand, with load factors exceeding 90 percent in the third quarter of 2025.
Javier Alija, Vice President of Global Sales and Distribution at Etihad, emphasized the significance of the Kenyan market. “This expansion provides our guests with greater frequency and improved connectivity between our two destinations.
Kenya represents one of Africa’s most dynamic aviation markets,” he stated during a visit to Nairobi.
The amplified schedule will bring roughly 1,600 additional weekly seats between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi, culminating in a total seat capacity exceeding 2,200 per week by mid-December.
Etihad’s increased operations will seamlessly link Kenyan travellers to over 80 global destinations via its Abu Dhabi hub, including major cities such as London, Paris, and Mumbai.
The surge in Etihad’s Nairobi flights underscores both its confidence and Kenya’s growing importance on the continent’s aviation map. The airline’s initial four weekly flights, relaunched in December 2024, quickly exceeded expectations.
Now, scheduled increment from four to eight weekly flights by October, and then to fourteen by December, demonstrate ambition and responsiveness to rising demand.
Beyond enhancing passenger connectivity, this expansion promises economic ripple effects. A boost in air services often supports tourism, trade, investment, and goodwill between nations.
For Kenya, a country with a vibrant middle class, expanding tourism market, and status as the region’s commercial hub, improved international flight links can open new doors for business travellers, tourists, and traders alike.
Moreover, the added frequency enhances flexibility and convenience for flyers, enabling smoother connections through Etihad’s global inbound and outbound network via its Abu Dhabi hub. This improved access benefits Kenyan travellers, East African visitors to the UAE, and onward international passengers alike.
The move also marks a broader trend of growing Emirati airline engagement across Africa, with Etihad pursuing strategic partnerships with the likes of Ethiopian Airlines and Air Seychelles to widen its continental footprint.
Etihad’s stepped-up service to Nairobi arrives at a propitious moment. With tourism, business travel, and international commerce all on the rise, Kenya stands to gain from enhanced air connectivity that brings more visitors, investors, and global visibility.
In conclusion, Etihad Airways’ decision to triple its Nairobi flights by December signifies a major vote of confidence in Kenya’s aviation potential. The expanded schedule will not only provide greater choice and capacity for travellers but also strengthen Kenya’s integration into the global air transport network. As this expansion unfolds, Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is poised to become an even more vital gateway between East Africa and the wider world.
Written By Ian Maleve
