Etihad Accelerates African Expansion With Nairobi At The Core

Strategic Alliances With Ethiopian Airlines And Air Seychelles Boost Connectivity Across The Continent

Etihad Airways is soaring to new heights in Africa, doubling down on Nairobi and unveiling a dynamic expansion strategy across the continent. Less than a year since relaunching flights to Kenya’s capital, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates has announced that it will increase its Nairobi service to 14 weekly flights starting 15 December 2025. This move highlights the growing demand and strategic importance of Nairobi as a major business and tourism gateway in East Africa.

Nicknamed the “Green City in the Sun,” Nairobi blends natural beauty with economic vitality and remains a vital hub for both regional and international travellers. Etihad’s decision to double its daily flights solidifies the airline’s commitment to connecting Abu Dhabi with Africa’s emerging markets and tourism powerhouses.

Etihad is also adding direct flights to Addis Ababa, Algiers, Tunis, and Al Alamein, while ramping up services to Casablanca, Johannesburg, and the Seychelles, thanks to powerful partnerships with Ethiopian Airlines and Air Seychelles. These collaborations go beyond code-sharing, offering seamless connections, generous baggage allowances, and the ability for Etihad Guest members to earn miles across networks.

Etihad’s expanded schedule will introduce:

Daily Boeing 787 flights to Casablanca and Johannesburg

Six weekly flights to Seychelles via Air Seychelles (starting May 2025)

New connections to African gems like Mauritius and Praslin via Mahe

According to Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, “We are not just increasing frequencies, we are strategically enhancing connectivity, investing in partnerships, and responding to real demand. Africa is central to Etihad’s growth story.”

By December 2025, Etihad’s African footprint will feature more routes, higher frequencies, and stronger partnerships than ever before, making Abu Dhabi a key transit point between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Ready to explore Africa or connect to the world? Etihad Airways is your gateway.

For bookings and more information, visit Etihad Airways.