Emirates on Wednesday launched its third daily passenger service between Dubai and Nairobi, increasing flights on the route to 21 per week as the airline seeks to strengthen connectivity between Kenya and its global network.

The Dubai-based carrier said in a press release that flight EK717 made its inaugural landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport early Wednesday, offering improved connections for passengers travelling between Kenya and destinations across Europe and North America via Dubai.

Emirates said the additional service is scheduled to better serve both leisure and business travellers by providing more convenient onward connections to major cities, including London and Paris.

"For three decades, Kenya has been one of Emirates' most important destinations in Africa, and this third daily service reflects both the strength of that relationship and our confidence in the country's future," said Christophe Leloup, Emirates' Country Manager for Kenya.

The airline has operated flights to Nairobi since 1995 and says it has carried more than six million passengers on the route over the past three decades. It currently connects Kenya to more than 138 destinations through its Dubai hub.

The new frequency will also increase Emirates SkyCargo's capacity by about 280 tonnes per week, supporting exports of Kenyan fresh produce and flowers to international markets, the airline said.

Emirates added that the expanded schedule is expected to support Kenya's tourism growth strategy and strengthen trade links between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates.

The launch comes as Kenya aims to attract five million international tourists annually by 2030, with enhanced international air connectivity seen as a key driver of that target.

Source: PR