The Kenyan Government has blocked plans by Emirates airline to operate a third daily flight to Nairobi from Dubai, a move described as “surprising” by the carrier.
The government has withdrawn commercial aviation rights for the flight, saying that it intends to review the bilateral air service agreement in place between the UAE and Kenya.
Local media said Transport Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera has written to Emirates to inform them of the decision regarding the third daily flight.
“The republic of Kenya is unable to grant a third daily passenger frequency to Emirates Airline before the review,” Nyakera was quoted as saying in the letter.
Emirates planned to introduce a third daily flight from Dubai to Nairobi from June 1, increasing the number of its flights between the two cities to 21 a week.
“Our earlier approval for flight EK717/718 is subsequently withdrawn,” the letter added.
An Emirates spokesperson said: “Emirates can confirm that approval granted to operate a third daily flight between Dubai and Nairobi has been withdrawn by the Kenyan transport authorities.
“The withdrawal of the already granted approval by the Kenyan transport authorities is surprising given that the valid air services agreement between the two countries allows Emirates to operate flights to Nairobi without any restriction. We will engage with the Kenyan authorities to address any concerns so that our third daily flight can be launched as planned.
“This does not affect Emirates’ two other daily flights between Dubai and Nairobi which are operating as scheduled.”
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