Emirates Airline forced to Cancel Nairobi flights after Kenya backtracks on deal

Kenyan authorities have withdrawn their approval for Emirates Airline to operate a third daily flight from Dubai to Nairobi, less than a week after the carrier had announced the service. It is the latest in a growing list of setbacks for the Gulf’s aviation industry and a worrying sign that some countries may do more to restrict Gulf airlines’ access in order to protect their own flag carriers. No reason was given for the withdrawal. Emirates says it will continue to operate its existing 2 flights to the Kenyan city and plans to talk to the Kenyan authorities to try and resolve the issue. A report carried by the UAE’s official WAM news agency noted that the airline was “surprised by the move“ given that the valid air services agreement between the two countries allows Emirates to operate flights to Nairobi without any restriction. <br/>