Flight Distribution Analysis Between East Africa & Middle East Air Corridor
The analysis represents the weekly distribution of flights operated by various airlines connecting key East African cities to destinations in the Middle East. The findings are based on a total of 158 weekly flights, revealing key trends in route dominance and airport utilization.
Find the interactive analytic presentation HERE
1. Nairobi (NBO) Leads with Over One-Third Share
Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) accounts for the highest share of weekly flights, contributing 38.6% of the total. This dominant position reflects Nairobi’s strategic role as a regional hub and the operational base for major airlines such as Kenya Airways and Emirates.
Key Destinations from NBO:
- Dubai (DXB): 25 flights/week (via KQ and EK)
- Doha (DOH): 14 flights/week (via Qatar Airways)
- Riyadh (RUH), Sharjah (SHJ), Abu Dhabi (AUH), and Bahrain (BAH) also feature but with lower frequencies.
2. Entebbe (EBB) as a Growing Regional Player
Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport (EBB) secures the second-largest share with 27.2% of weekly flights. The diversity of destinations and airline operators signals EBB’s increasing relevance in regional aviation.
Top Routes from EBB:
- Dubai (DXB): 22 flights/week, showing strong demand.
- Sharjah (SHJ): 11 flights/week (via Air Arabia)
- Doha (DOH) and Riyadh (RUH) are also served, adding to the variety.
Also read: How Much Are Travellers Paying for Airport Passenger Tax in Africa?
3. Dar es Salaam (DAR) and Zanzibar (ZNZ): Balanced Distribution
Tanzania’s two key airports, Dar es Salaam (DAR) and Zanzibar (ZNZ), contribute 12.7% and 10.1%, respectively.
DAR features a relatively balanced distribution among:
- Dubai (DXB): 13 flights/week
- Doha (DOH) and Muscat (MCT) also receive service.
- ZNZ is equally split between Doha (7 flights/week) and Dubai (7 flights/week) and Muscat (2 flights/week) via Oman Air
4. Modest Contribution from Mombasa (MBA) and Kigali (KGL)
Mombasa (MBA) and Kigali (KGL) contribute 4.4% and 7.0%, respectively.
- MBA is linked exclusively to Dubai, reflecting its role as a coastal tourist and trade city.
- KGL, Rwanda’s capital, connects to both Dubai and Doha, with RwandAir operating all flights.
Conclusion
The UAE (particularly Dubai) emerges as the most dominant destination across all origins, signifying its centrality in East Africa–Middle East air traffic.
These insights are crucial for stakeholders in aviation, tourism, and trade, as they reflect passenger demand, airline competition, and regional connectivity priorities.
About Vallency Otieno
With 8+ years of experience in aviation, Vallency excels at driving results and improving performance by implementing data-driven strategies. His passion lies in using analytical insights to impact commercial development and policy formation within the aviation industry. Find more of his work HERE