Kenya Airways half-year loss widens to Sh16bn as costs spiral
The carrier’s losses in 2025 were primarily caused by a capacity shortage due to the prolonged...
Kenya Airways (KQ) reported a widening net loss to Sh16.1 billion in the first half of 2026, up from Sh12.2 billion in the same period last year, as higher operating costs continue to impact the airline's finances. The airline's operating costs surged to Sh91.9 billion in the six months to June, marking a significant increase from Sh80.7 billion in the corresponding period in 2025.
The primary driver of this cost escalation was the sharp rise in fuel expenses, which climbed by 32 percent due to a surge in global oil prices triggered by the Iran conflict. This price hike has a direct effect on KQ's fuel costs, compounding the financial burden further. Additionally, the airline faced additional operational hurdles after grounding three Boeing 787 Dreamliners and requiring maintenance for some of its smaller aircraft, exacerbating the situation and affecting its overall performance during this period.
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- Kenya Airways loss widens to Sh16.1bn as costs rise capitalfm.africa
