Abu-Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has resumed scheduled flights between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi, Kenya.
The resumption of this service comes after Etihad Airways scrapped its Nairobi flights in 2020 – due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The airline launched this route back in April 2012.
The relaunched route commenced on Sunday 15 December.
The inaugural flight (EY 767) landed in Nairobi, to a water cannon salute.
This is customary in aviation, when an airline operates the inaugural flight on a new route, or even when resuming flights on a route.
ETIHAD AIRWAYS RESUMES NAIROBI ROUTE
The aircraft operating this relaunched service arrived in Nairobi with 150 passengers on board.
Significantly, the resumed service marks a milestone in enhancing connectivity between the United Arab Emirates and Kenya.
Etihad will be the only airline flying nonstop on the Abu Dhabi-Nairobi route.
This flight also aims to stimulate cross-business and trade opportunities between the UAE and Kenya.
FLIGHT SCHEDULE
Etihad Airways will offer four scheduled flights per week on this direct service between Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).
Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
EY 767 Departs Abu Dhabi at 09.05 and arrives in Nairobi at 13.30
Block time for this flight is 5 hours and 25 minutes.
EY 768 Departs Nairobi at 18.20 and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 00.20 (the following day).
Block time for this flight is 5 hours.
Flights are operated with an Airbus A320.
The cabin has two classes – 150 seats in economy class and 8 seats in business class.
ETIHAD AIRWAYS NAIROBI FLIGHTS
The decision to operate four flights each week thus demonstrates Etihad’s confidence in the potential of this route.
Moreover, it will be the only airline offering direct services between the two cities.
This move is poised to benefit both countries, enhancing business opportunities and boosting economic growth.
“The introduction of our Nairobi service enhances our growing network while responding to strong travel demand between the UAE and Kenya, as demonstrated by today’s completely full inaugural flight,” Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways said.
ETIHAD’S EXPANSION PLANS
Furthermore, the restarted Nairobi service is Etihad’s 14th destination launched over the past 18 months.
The Middle East carrier is also set to add services to numerous destinations in 2025.
Nairobi becomes Etihad’s third destination in Sub-Saharan Africa, after Johannesburg and the Seychelles.
