NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced special repatriation flights between Nairobi and Dubai following partial reopening of the United Arab Emirates’ airspace after days of regional conflict-related disruption.
In a customer advisory issued on March 4, 2026, the airline confirmed it would operate a flight from Nairobi to Dubai on March 4 and a return flight from Dubai to Nairobi on March 5, after receiving slot approvals from Dubai Airport authorities.
The move follows guidance from UAE authorities allowing limited flight operations to resume at Dubai International Airport from March 2, with only a restricted number of movements permitted.
Repatriation-only operations
Kenya Airways clarified that the flights are strictly for repatriation purposes and do not signal a return to normal scheduled services.
“These are not regular scheduled flights, rather repatriation flights for Customers who are citizens or have residency in the UAE to be able to travel out of Nairobi and Vice Versa,” the statement read in part.
The airline urged passengers in Dubai not to travel to the airport until they receive confirmed departure details.
“We request our customers in Dubai not to proceed to DXB Airport until we have communicated a confirmed departure date and time.”
Travellers were advised to check their flight status via the Kenya Airways website and update contact details through the “Manage Booking” platform to ensure direct communication from the airline.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience and understanding. The safety of our crew and customers remains our highest priority, and we will communicate directly with affected customers to provide the necessary assistance.”
Kenya Airways reiterated that it has not resumed regular commercial flights to Dubai and will provide further updates pending additional approvals from UAE authorities.
Regional escalation and airspace closures
The temporary suspension of KQ’s Dubai route on February 28 followed the closure of parts of UAE airspace amid escalating hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran.
On February 28, US and Israeli forces carried out missile strikes inside Iran, reportedly killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Iran subsequently launched retaliatory strikes targeting Israel and Gulf states hosting US military facilities, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.
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The confrontation has disrupted aviation corridors across the Middle East, forcing airlines to reroute flights, suspend services or operate under restricted schedules due to airspace security concerns.
Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest transit hubs, has faced operational strain, affecting thousands of connecting passengers from Africa, Asia and Europe.
Impact on Kenyan travellers
Dubai is a key destination and transit hub for Kenyan travellers, including migrant workers, business executives and tourists.
The suspension of flights has left many passengers stranded in both Nairobi and Dubai, prompting calls for coordinated evacuation and repatriation efforts.
Industry analysts say the phased reopening of UAE airspace could gradually restore connectivity, though full normalisation depends on the regional security outlook.
Kenya Airways has advised affected customers to remain patient as diplomatic and aviation authorities continue to assess the evolving situation.
