Emirates is set to introduce its Airbus A350 on the Dubai-Nairobi route from 25 October 2026, bringing its latest-generation aircraft and cabin experience to Kenya for the first time.

The A350 will operate on EK717 and EK718, making Nairobi the 32nd destination in the Emirates network to receive the aircraft. The deployment also marks the first time Emirates' Premium Economy cabin will be available to passengers travelling to and from Kenya.

The move adds a new cabin option to the Dubai-Nairobi route while introducing updated Business and Economy Class products, with the A350 designed around greater cabin space, connectivity and upgraded onboard technology.

A New Premium Economy Experience in Kenya

The A350 accommodates 298 passengers across three cabins — Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class.

Emirates' Premium Economy cabin features leather reclining seats with generous seat pitch, adjustable headrests and additional legroom. Passengers also have access to in-seat charging points, a wood-finished side cocktail table and a 13.3-inch entertainment screen.

The cabin experience also includes a larger pillow and blanket, complimentary amenity kits on select flights including the Dubai-Nairobi route, and Chandon Vintage Brut 2017 sparkling wine.

For passengers travelling in Business Class, the A350 features a 1-2-1 configuration, giving every passenger direct aisle access. The fully lie-flat seats are finished in soft cream leather and include personal minibars and wireless charging.

A snack display area at the rear of the Business Class cabin allows passengers to access refreshments throughout the flight.

The Economy Class cabin features a lighter colour palette of sky blue, bronze and cream with lighter-toned wood finishes. Seats are equipped with Emirates' upgraded ice inflight entertainment system, featuring 13.3-inch 4K adjustable touchscreens.

Emirates said the cabin has also been designed around generous seat pitch and leather headrests to provide additional comfort and legroom.

Commenting on the aircraft deployment, Christophe Leloup, Emirates Country Manager in Kenya, said the arrival of the A350 represents a new chapter for the airline in Kenya, bringing passengers greater comfort and choice while building on its existing customer experience.

Expanding the Dubai-Nairobi Offering

The A350 deployment follows a series of changes to Emirates' operations in Kenya. In July, the airline introduced a third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi, taking its schedule to 21 flights per week.

The additional capacity provides passengers travelling between Kenya and international markets with more scheduling options and connections through Dubai, including onward travel to destinations across Europe and the United States.

Nairobi is also home to Emirates World, the airline's first such store in Africa, which opened in 2024. The facility offers customers an alternative way to explore Emirates' products and access personalised services.

Earlier in 2026, Emirates also introduced a split-payment solution in Kenya through a partnership with Cellulant, allowing customers to combine multiple payment methods and pay for airfares over 24-hour instalments.

Tickets for the A350-operated service are available through Emirates' website and app, travel agents and the Emirates World Store in Nairobi.

For tickets booked after 10 August 2026, Emirates said its flexible booking policy includes unlimited date changes for travel to Dubai and one complimentary date change for travel to other destinations, alongside reduced refund fees across cabins and fare types.

The introduction of the A350 adds another layer to Emirates' Nairobi operation, combining increased flight frequency with a new aircraft and the airline's Premium Economy product for the Kenyan market.