Etihad Airways senior management reaffirmed the airline's commitment to significantly expanding its Nairobi service during a visit to the Kenyan capital.
Speaking in Nairobi, they said that the airline will progressively increase flights between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi, growing from the current four weekly services to eight weekly by October, and reaching 14 services from 15 December 2025, more than tripling weekly capacity on the route.
The expansion demonstrates Etihad's confidence in the Kenyan market following strong performance since the route's December 2024 launch.
“We're here in Nairobi to underscore how important this market is to Etihad. We've continued to see demand that validates our decision to significantly increase capacity on this route to double daily service,” said Javier Alija, Etihad Vice President Global Sales and Distribution.
"Kenya represents one of Africa's most dynamic aviation markets, and we're responding to that energy. This expansion provides our guests with greater frequency and improved connectivity between our two destinations."
The enhanced schedule will offer approximately 1,600 additional weekly seats by mid- December, bringing Etihad's total weekly seat capacity on the route to over 2,200.
The Nairobi expansion forms part of Etihad's broader African growth strategy, which includes new services to Addis Ababa through a landmark joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines, increased frequencies to Casablanca and Johannesburg, and a partnership with Air Seychelles.
"Africa represents incredible opportunity for aviation growth. "Our partnerships across the continent, combined with direct services like Nairobi, create seamless connections for travelers moving between Africa, the Middle East, and beyond."
The enhanced Nairobi service will connect with Etihad's global network of more than 80 destinations, offering Kenyan travelers improved access to popular routes including London, Paris, Mumbai, and key destinations across Europe and the Indian subcontinent.
The increased frequency comes at a significant time for Kenya's tourism sector, with visitor numbers reaching three million in 2024 and targets of five million in the coming years.
