Etihad Airways has officially resumed its Nairobi-Abu Dhabi flights, marking a significant milestone in the aviation industry and reinforcing the connection between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kenya. The announcement, first made in August 2024, has come into effect today, December 15, with a warm reception for the inaugural flight at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
In a statement, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) celebrated the return of the airline, highlighting the move as a boost for travel and trade. “We are thrilled as Etihad officially resumes flights to Nairobi, enhancing connectivity between the UAE and Kenya,” the statement read in part. The flight was welcomed by KAA Board Chair Caleb Kositany, who emphasized the significance of this development for Kenya’s aviation landscape.
Enhanced Connectivity
Etihad Airways, operating non-stop flights four times a week between Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Nairobi’s JKIA, aims to meet the growing demand for travel between the two regions. This resumption is part of a broader expansion strategy by Etihad, which plans to double its African routes and enhance frequency on existing routes.
The airline’s Vice President of Network and Scheduling, Lena Havia, praised both the UAE and Kenyan authorities for facilitating the return of flights. “This resumption reflects our commitment to strengthening ties and fostering connectivity,” she noted.
Etihad’s current African destinations include Johannesburg, South Africa; Cairo, Egypt; Mahe, Seychelles; and Casablanca, Morocco. Starting today, Nairobi joins this network, with additional routes to Tunis, Tunisia; Algiers, Algeria; and Al Alamein, Egypt set to launch next year.
Growing Commitment to Africa
Etihad Airways has expressed a strong commitment to expanding its presence in Africa, a market with immense potential. In November, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Arik De, outlined plans to double the airline’s African destinations by 2025 and significantly increase service frequencies.
“We are expanding our frequencies, including boosting both Johannesburg and Casablanca to daily services from next summer,” De stated. “This expansion will connect our guests across the continent with our growing network and bring them to our fantastic home in Abu Dhabi.”
The addition of new African destinations aligns with the airline’s vision of sustainable growth and improved connectivity. By 2030, Etihad aims to launch at least ten new destinations annually, with a focus on making all flights, including those to Africa, daily services.
Strategic Milestone
The resumption of the Nairobi-Abu Dhabi route represents a strategic milestone in Etihad’s global expansion plan. The move is expected to facilitate increased trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between Kenya and the UAE, offering a seamless travel experience to passengers.
For Kenya, the resumption of Etihad flights adds to the nation’s growing reputation as a major regional aviation hub. It opens up new opportunities for business and leisure travelers while supporting the growth of the tourism sector.
Future Prospects
As Etihad Airways continues to scale its operations globally, its commitment to Africa underscores the importance of the continent in its growth strategy. By strengthening connectivity and increasing flight options, the airline is poised to play a pivotal role in facilitating intra-continental and intercontinental travel.
“We are not stopping there,” De said, emphasizing Etihad’s ambition to expand globally. “We recently announced ten new global destinations, including Tunis and Algiers, and plan to announce at least ten more each year as we grow towards 2030.”
With Nairobi now back on its schedule, Etihad Airways is set to build stronger ties between the UAE and Africa, fostering mutual growth and development. For travelers, the resumed service promises increased convenience, flexibility, and access to Etihad’s growing network of destinations.
The resumption of flights between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi marks a new chapter in Etihad’s journey, reflecting its vision of sustainable, customer-focused growth on a global scale.
