Kenya Airways suspends Dubai repatriation flights
By Faith Lagat, March 6, 2026Kenya Airways has temporarily halted its repatriation flight to and from Dubai scheduled for March 6, 2026, following urgent security guidance from Dubai Airport authorities.
The airline said the move reflects its commitment to passenger and crew safety amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In an official customer update issued on March 6, 2026, Kenya Airways stated: “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.”
“We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience. The safety of our crew and customers remains our top priority,” the statement from the airline read in part.
The suspension comes days after the carrier operated limited repatriation services on March 4, 2026 (Nairobi to Dubai) and March 5, 2026 (Dubai to Nairobi).
These special flights were arranged following the partial reopening of Dubai International Airport under strict UAE approvals, aimed at helping stranded citizens and residents return home amid widespread airspace disruptions. Kenya Airways emphasised that these were emergency operations and not part of regular scheduled services.
Regional tensions disrupt flights
The disruptions follow an earlier suspension of all Kenya Airways flights to Dubai and Sharjah, including in late February 2026 after UAE authorities closed airspace due to heightened regional threats.
The closures are linked to military escalations involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, including retaliatory strikes, missile activities, and threats to U.S. bases in the Gulf.
These events have led to widespread flight cancellations across major hubs, with Dubai International Airport operating at roughly 25 per cent of normal capacity in early March. Some airlines were forced to divert or turn back flights amid missile fire and other security incidents.
Guidance for affected passengers
Passengers impacted by the March 6, 2026 cancellation are urged to monitor updates via kenya-airways.com using the Manage Booking tool and ensure contact details are current for notifications.
Kenya Airways’ Customer Excellence Team can be reached. The Kenya-UAE consulate is also guiding affected travellers.
The airline stressed that the precautionary measure underscores the challenges of operating in volatile regions and prioritises human safety over flight schedules during crises.
Travellers are advised to remain informed and flexible amid ongoing uncertainties in Middle East aviation.
Earlier, the government asked hundreds of Kenyans in UAE to arrange for their travel due to the escalating tension.
“The Ministry’s leadership, led by the PCS and CS for Foreign Affairs, remains in close contact with the 7 Missions and 2 Consulates-General across the region and is receiving regular updates on the welfare of Kenyan nationals and the security of our diplomatic personnel and facilities,” the statement read.
The government noted that seven days into the conflict, no casualties or injuries among Kenyan nationals had been reported, and most citizens continued their daily activities, including work and studies, depending on the prevailing security situation.