Kenya Airways has announced that it will continue operating repatriation flights between Nairobi and Dubai to help stranded travellers return home.
The airline said on Friday, March 6, 2026, that the flights will operate depending on available slots and approval from Dubai airport authorities.
“These flights are not part of our usual schedule. We will use our Boeing 787 Dreamliner for this route, so you can expect more comfort, space, and our well-known African hospitality,” Kenya Airways said.
The national carrier first announced the repatriation flights on March 4, 2026.
The flights come after authorities in the United Arab Emirates resumed limited operations at Dubai Airport on March 2, allowing only a small number of flights mainly for repatriation purposes.
The move follows continued disruptions in the Middle East caused by the ongoing war involving Iran, which has led to airspace closures across several countries in the region.
Due to the restrictions, only a limited number of flights are currently operating in and out of the Middle East, leaving many travellers stranded.
The United States government has also urged its citizens to leave the region as tensions continue.
US officials said they are coordinating military and charter flights to assist thousands of Americans seeking to exit the Middle East.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said more than 1,500 Americans have requested assistance, while the State Department has responded to nearly 3,000 calls from citizens seeking help.
Rubio added that authorities are identifying larger commercial aircraft, charter flights and military options to support evacuation efforts. Some flights have reportedly been forced to turn back due to airspace restrictions.
Airspace across much of the Middle East, including countries neighbouring Iran, remains restricted.
Although some flights have managed to depart from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the situation continues to change, and travellers have been advised to follow government alerts and airline updates.
Meanwhile, the first repatriation flight from Dubai to Kenya arrived on March 5, bringing back passengers who had been stranded due to the travel disruptions.
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