Kenya Airways has announced the commencement of direct flights to Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, as it grows its presence in the Middle East.

The airline will start operating the service on the route from July 1, 2013, flying three times every week between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi.

The city of Abu Dhabi is the second Kenya Airways destination in the United Arab Emirates, after Dubai where the airline already flies to 10 times a week.

Kenya Airways’ CEO and Group Managing Director, Titus Naikuni, said that the new route will provide a vital connection between Africa and the Middle East leveraging on the relationship with Etihad Airways.

“These flights are intended to add value to our customers by providing improved connections and more choices of travel into other parts of the Middle East,” Dr. Naikuni added.

Kenya Airways will be flying to the city on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; departing from its Jomo Kenyatta International Airport hub in Nairobi at 1925 Hours, and arriving in Abu Dhabi at 0105 the following day.

The return flights will leave Abu Dhabi on each of those days at 0205 Hours and arriving in Nairobiat 0555 on the same day.