Kenya Airways has temporarily suspended repatriation flights between Nairobi and Dubai after airport authorities in the Gulf city issued a security advisory, forcing the national carrier to halt the scheduled operation on Friday, March 6.
In a statement released to the public, the airline’s Corporate Communications Department said the decision to cancel the repatriation flight was made after guidance from Dubai Airport authorities raised safety concerns for the route.
Kenya Airways warned that proceeding with the flight despite the advisory would expose passengers and crew to unnecessary danger.
“We wish to inform our customers that we have suspended today’s (March 6 2026) repatriation flight to and from Dubai following security guidance from Dubai Airport authorities.
“The safety of our crew and customers remains our top priority,” the statement read in part.
The airline apologised to passengers affected by the disruption and asked them for patience as it continues to monitor the situation. It said customers will be informed once new information becomes available.
Travellers were advised to regularly check the status of their flights through the airline’s website and ensure their contact details are updated so they can receive direct notifications about any changes.
The carrier also directed clients seeking more information to reach out to the Kenya–United Arab Emirates consulate for assistance.
Earlier, Kenya Airways had announced that it would deploy a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on the Nairobi–Dubai route to offer passengers more comfort and space during the repatriation flights.
The airline had also reminded travellers that only passengers with valid travel documents would be allowed to board, in line with regulations issued by authorities in the United Arab Emirates.
Meanwhile, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi had earlier stated that Kenyans wishing to return home from the Middle East would be required to pay for their own tickets during the repatriation exercise.
The position drew criticism from leaders allied to the United Opposition, who argued that the government should take financial responsibility for bringing citizens back home during the operation.