National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced that it is scheduled to commence non-stop flights between Mombasa City and Dubai in the UAE from December 15, 2022.

According to KQ, the airline will operate a Boeing 737-800 four times per week and is based on market demand with the move expected to boost tourism in the Kenyan coastal region.

The national carrier says the Mombasa - Dubai route will give tourists from the Middle East, Northern Europe, Russia and Australia direct access to tourist sites and hospitality industry.

KQ added that the coastal region's traders in electronics, clothes and other consumer goods will also benefit from the belly cargo capacity that will be availed on the regular flights.

The flights will also offer expanded capacity for direct exports of seafood and fresh produce directly to the Middle East.

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“The introduction of this route is key and strategic as it will open up the Kenya coastal region, boost the tourism and hospitality industry as well as stimulate trade to the coastal city,” said Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Julius Thairu.

He added: “This launch is part of Kenya Airways network expansion strategy and commitment towards supporting the recovery of the tourism and hospitality industry in Kenya.”


The direct flight from Mombasa to Dubai will depart the Moi International Airport on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 2300 and land at DXB the next day at 0545.

Similarly, the Dubai - Mombasa flights will depart DXB on Tuesdays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays at 0655 and land at Moi International Airport, Mombasa the next day at 11:20am

However, the said flights will originate from Nairobi before making a stopover in Mombasa to pick up passengers with the flight set to increase frequency to Dubai to 14 times a week.

As it stands, KQ currently operates 10 flights weekly to Dubai from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) using a mix of B737-800 and the Dreamliner B787-800.