Kenya Airways (KQ) announced it will run limited repatriation flights between Nairobi and Dubai this week, after receiving partial authorization from Dubai airport authorities for humanitarian travel amid rising Middle East tensions. In a March 4, 2026 update, the national carrier confirmed it will operate a Nairobi-to-Dubai flight on March 4, with the return Dubai-to-Nairobi service scheduled for March 5. These flights are not part of Kenya Airways’ regular schedule but are special services designed to assist UAE citizens and residents stranded in Kenya, as well as Kenyans and other travelers in Dubai looking to return home.
The announcement follows Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International resuming limited operations on March 2, after a temporary airspace closure caused by escalating military conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. UAE authorities have authorized only a limited number of flights exclusively for repatriation purposes, with 114 such flights scheduled across airlines on March 4, including services by Emirates and Flydubai.
Kenya Airways has provided important instructions for travelers: the flights are only available for UAE citizens or residents leaving Nairobi, or passengers with legitimate travel requirements returning from Dubai. Customers in Dubai are instructed not to visit Dubai International Airport until contacted directly by the airline with a confirmed departure time. Passengers are also encouraged to check flight status through the “Manage Booking” option on kenya-airways.com and ensure their contact information is updated for direct communication.
Kenya Airways had temporarily suspended all flights to Dubai and Sharjah on February 28, 2026, because of the UAE airspace closure. Normal scheduled operations continue to be suspended indefinitely.