Emirates Airlines is set to deepen its footprint in Kenya, leveraging the recently signed Kenya–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and its growing partnership with Kenya Airways to boost trade, tourism, and connectivity between the two nations. The airline’s Country Manager, Christophe Leloup, highlighted that the agreement is unlocking new opportunities for exports, cargo movement, and investment, positioning Kenya as a key regional aviation and trade hub.
Speaking during a roundtable in Nairobi marking Emirates’ 30th anniversary in Kenya, Leloup emphasized that the CEPA deal represents a major milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi. The agreement, signed in 2023, seeks to remove trade barriers, attract investments, and accelerate Kenyan exports to Gulf countries. Emirates, he noted, will play a central role in supporting these ambitions through enhanced air connectivity and logistics infrastructure.
Emirates’ cargo operations have already demonstrated this commitment, with the airline operating three weekly freighter flights between Nairobi and Europe. In 2024 alone, the carrier transported over 16,000 tons of Kenyan flowers, fruits, vegetables, and meat to international markets. Under the new trade framework, this volume is expected to grow as more Kenyan exporters tap into the increasing demand in the UAE and broader Middle Eastern markets. Leloup reaffirmed that Emirates views Nairobi not only as a passenger hub but also as a growing cargo gateway linking Africa to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The interline partnership between Emirates and Kenya Airways, signed in 2023, has further strengthened this vision. Over the past two years, more than 31,000 passengers have flown under the codeshare agreement, connecting seamlessly between the two airlines’ networks. This collaboration enables Emirates passengers to reach destinations across Africa such as Rwanda, Malawi, Mozambique, and Burundi, while Kenya Airways passengers enjoy convenient connections through Dubai to the U.S., China, Asia, and Europe. Leloup described the partnership as strategic and mutually beneficial, aligning with Emirates’ long-term goal of expanding reach across Africa.
Since commencing operations in Kenya in 1995, Emirates has carried over 6.6 million passengers and operated more than 34,000 flights. The airline employs over 1,100 Kenyans globally and continues to support the country’s economic growth through tourism and trade facilitation. As Kenya advances toward an open skies policy, Emirates expressed full support for the liberalization of African airspace, noting that it will enhance competition, reduce fares, and stimulate regional development. Leloup affirmed that Emirates remains committed to connecting Kenya to the world, ensuring that the country continues to thrive as East Africa’s premier aviation gateway.