Etihad to triple Nairobi-Abu Dhabi flights by December 2025

Etihad Airways has embarked on a mission to expand its operations in the country.

Less than a year after launching flights between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi, the airline has announced a major capacity boost.

Etihad says it will scale up flights on the Nairobi–Abu Dhabi route from the current four weekly services to eight by October, and to 14 flights a week by December 15.

Javier Alija, vice president of global sales and distribution at Etihad, said: “We wouldn't grow into Nairobi if it wasn't for the strong performance of the way we are growing. We have never done something like this, to go from launch to double daily in a year — it’s remarkable. What is working well about it is the good balance that we have from an inbound and outbound perspective.”

The upgrade will more than triple capacity, raising available seats from 600 to over 2,200 every week.

Airline executives say the move reflects growing travel demand between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Etihad’s confidence in the strength of Kenya’s aviation market.

“When there is no healthy competition, people and businesses can become complacent, and we don’t ever want to do that. Beyond Borders is our company’s slogan; we can never stop innovating," Alija added.

The expansion forms part of Etihad’s broader African strategy, which includes launching new routes, increasing frequencies, and strengthening partnerships with other carriers.