Emirates increases Nairobi cargo capacity with third daily service
New early morning flight adds 280 tonnes weekly and supports Kenya’s perishable exports with expanded bellyhold cargo space.
Emirates will add a third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi from 1 March 2026, creating a major increase in air cargo capacity and strengthening global trade links with Kenya. The new frequency will provide an extra 280 tonnes of weekly cargo space through the Boeing 777’s belly hold, supporting the movement of goods in and out of the country.
The additional early morning departure is expected to benefit exporters of time- and temperature-sensitive perishables, including fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. By offering more capacity and better timings, the new service will help Kenyan producers move goods to global markets more efficiently.
Emirates SkyCargo already plays a key role in connecting Kenya to international trade routes. The freight division operates three weekly freighters into Nairobi. With the expansion to three daily passenger flights, the airline will offer more than 1,100 tonnes of total weekly cargo capacity to and from the market.
The enhanced belly capacity also links Kenya to Emirates’ network of nearly 150 destinations, opening access to major consumer and production centres across Europe, Asia, Australia and the United States. The airline’s strong cargo operations support the deepening economic ties between Kenya and the UAE, which signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement earlier this year.
Emirates marked 30 years of service to Nairobi in October 2025, and the upcoming increase further strengthens its long-standing commitment to Kenya’s air cargo and logistics sector.
