Kenya Airways (KQ) has posted a half-year net loss of Ksh 12 billion, marking a sharp 2,469 percent decline in profitability compared to the same period last year. The national carrier’s performance was weighed down by reduced passenger numbers and lower capacity, underscoring ongoing challenges in its recovery trajectory.
For the six months ending June 2025, passenger traffic fell 14 percent to 2.2 million travelers, down from 2.54 million recorded in the first half of 2024. The decline in passenger numbers directly impacted the airline’s capacity, with available seat kilometers dropping by 16 percent to 6.72 billion, compared to 7.99 billion a year earlier.
As a result, Kenya Airways’ revenue contracted by 19 percent to Ksh 74.5 billion, from Ksh 91.5 billion in the corresponding period last year. The double-digit decline in both capacity and revenues reflects the airline’s vulnerability to demand fluctuations and operational inefficiencies.
The airline’s financial performance comes at a time when the global aviation industry is on a gradual recovery path following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic pressures. However, Kenya Airways continues to grapple with structural challenges, including high operating costs, legacy debts, and fleet constraints.
Looking ahead, the airline has outlined key priorities for the second half of the year. Central to its strategy is addressing capacity constraints linked to aircraft and engine availability, which have hampered its ability to fully meet market demand. Management has also emphasized enhancing operational stability and efficiency to improve service delivery and reduce costs.
Despite the grim numbers, Kenya Airways remains optimistic about sustaining growth by leveraging improved fleet utilization, expanding route connectivity, and aligning operations with market demand. The airline’s long-term turnaround strategy will be tested in the coming months as it seeks to balance operational efficiency with revenue growth in an increasingly competitive aviation sector.
Kenya Airways’ ability to stabilize its operations and restore profitability will be closely watched by stakeholders, including the government, which holds a significant stake in the carrier and has been instrumental in previous bailout efforts.
