Kenya Airways has announced that it will operate special repatriation flights between Nairobi and Dubai.
According to a statement issued on March 4, the Nairobi-to-Dubai flight is scheduled for March 4, while the return flight from Dubai to Nairobi is set for March 5, 2026.
This follows guidance from UAE authorities regarding the limited resumption of operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) amid the Middle East Tension.
“We wish to inform our customers that we will operate repatriation flights Nairobi-Dubai on 04 March 2026, and Dubai-Nairobi on 05 March 2026, following slots approval by Dubai Airport Management,” read the statement.
Kenya Airways Repatriation flights
Kenya Airways has clarified that the repatriation flights are not the regular scheduled flights.
Also Read: Kenya Airways and TUI Airways Partner to Boost Kenya’s Year-Round Tourism
According to the airline, the two flights are strictly repatriation flights for citizens and residents of the UAE to travel safely during the phased reopening of Dubai Airport.
KQ has also told its customers not to go to Dubai International Airport until they confirm their departure time.
“We request our customers in Dubai not to proceed to the DXB Airport until we have communicated a confirmed departure date and time.”
Customers have been advised to check their flight status on KQ’s website and update their contact details via the Manage Booking option to facilitate further communication.
The Airline has also apologized for the inconvenience caused by the Middle East conflict, which has led to the temporary closure of several airports.
Temporary Suspension of Flights to Dubai Due to Airspace Closure
On March 1, Dubai International Airport reported a massive explosion after Iran launched a new wave of strikes hours after its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was confirmed dead.
According to Dubai Media Office, Dubai Airports confirms that a concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained.
“Dubai Airports confirms that a concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained,” the Dubai Media Office statement read in part.
Several countries, including Kenya and Uganda, have issued advisories to their citizens travelling to Dubai following the temporary suspension of flights to Dubai due to airspace closure after the Israel-US attacks on Iran.
In a statement issued on February 28, Uganda Airlines informed its clients that flights between Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and Dubai International Airport (DXB) were suspended.
“Uganda Airlines wishes to inform its esteemed guests and the general public of the temporary suspension of its scheduled flights between Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and Dubai International Airport (DXB),” the satement read in part.
Also Read: Updated Airspace Closures as of March 1 Following Extended Middle East Airspace Restrictions
As of 0530 UTC on 1 March, the estimated reopening times were as follows:
United Arab Emirates (OMAE) -Closure under Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) zones, set to expire 1200 UTC on 2 March.
Israel (LLLL) -Total closure, set to expire 1000 UTC on 3 March.
Saudi Arabia (OEJD) – Partial closure affecting the area bordering Iraq and the Persian Gulf, set to expire 0800 UTC on 1 March.
Iran (OIIX) – Total closure, set to expire 0830 UTC on 1 March.
Iraq (ORBB) -Total closure, set to expire 0900 UTC on 1 March.
Qatar (OTDF) -Total closure, set to expire 1000 UTC on 1 March.
Bahrain (OBBB) – Total closure, set to expire 1000 UTC on 1 March.
Kuwait (OKAC) -Total closure, set to expire 1000 UTC on 1 March.
Syria (OSTT) -Total closure, set to expire 2100 UTC on 1 March.
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