Dubai-based airline flydubai has announced plans to expand its presence in East Africa with the launch of flights to Nairobi and the introduction of a daily service to Mombasa.
The low-cost carrier will begin operating four weekly flights to Nairobi International Airport (NBO) from Dubai International’s Terminal 3 starting 15 October 2025. In parallel, its services to Mombasa will rise from four times weekly to daily beginning 1 October 2025, bringing its total number of flights to Kenya to 11 per week.
The expansion underscores the growing importance of the Kenyan market to airlines in the Gulf region, with demand driven by both business and leisure travel. Kenya is considered a strategic hub in East Africa, home to a fast-growing economy, vibrant cultural life and unique tourism appeal, ranging from wildlife safaris to coastal resorts.
Strengthening ties
Announcing the move, flydubai’s Chief Executive Officer, Ghaith Al Ghaith, said the development was in line with the airline’s wider strategy to enhance connectivity between Dubai and Africa.
“Kenya is an important market for flydubai, and we are pleased to strengthen our operations with the addition of Nairobi and the increased frequency of our service to Mombasa,” he said. “These flights underline the importance of connecting Kenya to Dubai’s global aviation hub, enhancing access for trade, travel and tourism between our two countries.”
The airline, which was established in 2008, has steadily built up a presence in Africa. With the addition of Nairobi, flydubai will serve 12 destinations across the continent, including Addis Ababa, Cairo, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe and Zanzibar.
Local impact
Aviation analysts suggest that the expanded flights could play a role in boosting both tourism arrivals and business exchanges between the United Arab Emirates and Kenya. The move comes as Gulf carriers seek to capture a larger share of Africa’s emerging air travel market, which has rebounded strongly since the pandemic.
Sudhir Sreedharan, flydubai’s Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Africa and South Asia), said: “This expansion provides more convenient options for customers from the UAE and across our network to access Kenya, whether for business, leisure or to visit friends and family. We thank the Kenyan authorities and our partners for their support in making these routes possible.”
Nairobi’s growing profile
Nairobi, often referred to as the economic, cultural and political heart of East Africa, has seen a surge in international flight connections in recent years. The city is also unusual among global capitals for its proximity to wildlife, with Nairobi National Park located just a short drive from the central business district.
By adding Nairobi to its network, flydubai joins other international airlines that view the Kenyan capital as a critical link in East Africa.
Passenger experience
flydubai says passengers travelling to Nairobi and Mombasa will have a choice of cabin classes. Business Class features lie-flat seats, international cuisine and on-demand entertainment, while Economy Class offers reclining seats with adjustable headrests.
Return Business Class fares from Dubai to Nairobi start at AED 4,500, while Economy Class Lite fares begin at AED 1,700. For the return journey, Business Class tickets from Nairobi to Dubai are priced from USD 2,000, with Economy Class Lite fares from USD 500.
Industry observers note that the latest expansion could increase competition on the Kenya–UAE corridor, a market that already attracts strong demand from traders, tourists and diaspora travellers.
