Etihad Airways has announced it will double its flights to Nairobi, Kenya, from December 15, 2025, signalling the airline’s growing commitment to the African market. The service between Abu Dhabi and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport will increase from a daily flight to twice-daily, offering travellers more flexibility and improved connectivity to and from East Africa.
The decision follows the successful relaunch of the Nairobi route in December 2024. Originally scheduled to resume in May 2024 following a pandemic-related suspension, the route’s eventual return in December was met with strong demand, with the inaugural flight operating at full capacity.
Strategic growth across the continent
Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Arik De, said the expansion reflected the airline’s long-term strategy in Africa.
“At Etihad, we have long recognised the need to strengthen our presence in Africa. We’re encouraged by the positive early results and are pleased to announce the expansion of our Nairobi service to 14 weekly flights, as well as the increase of our Seychelles service to six weekly flights in partnership with Air Seychelles,” he said.
Etihad will also be introducing daily Boeing 787 Dreamliner services to Casablanca and Johannesburg, further enhancing its African footprint.
Partnership with Air Seychelles
As part of its updated regional strategy, Etihad has confirmed it will withdraw from the Abu Dhabi–Seychelles route on May 22, 2025. From May 23, the route will be operated by Air Seychelles under a codeshare agreement, offering six weekly flights aboard an Airbus A320neo. This transition will ensure service continuity, with flights available every day except Thursdays (from Seychelles) and Fridays (from Abu Dhabi).
Etihad currently serves five African destinations—Nairobi, Cairo, Casablanca, Johannesburg, and the Seychelles. While direct flights to the Seychelles will cease, the codeshare with Air Seychelles allows Etihad to retain vital connectivity for leisure and business travellers heading to the Indian Ocean archipelago.
Enhanced connectivity and greater choice
The doubling of Nairobi flights comes as Etihad continues to rebuild and expand its global network. The increased frequency is expected to support growing business and tourism ties between the UAE and East Africa, while offering improved schedule options for onward travel through Abu Dhabi.
