This archive report was first published on 15 June 2020.
Kenya Airways, the national carrier, is set to restart international flights in September 2020, following a temporary shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline had suspended flights to several destinations, including China, before halting all domestic and international passenger flights on March 22, 2020.
According to the airline's annual report, operations are expected to resume in late Q3 of 2020. However, the airline has not provided any information on the number of destinations it will fly to upon relaunch. It is anticipated that the number of destinations and flight frequencies will be significantly reduced once operations restart.
Kenya Airways will assess post-lockdown demand for air travel and the impact of globally imposed health and safety measures on passengers. The airline's interest in air travel is expected to be lower than pre-pandemic levels, as more countries open their skies.
On June 19, 2020, the airline operated a repatriation flight from Nairobi to Johannesburg and back to Nairobi. In the financial year ended December 31, 2019, Kenya Airways recorded a 12.4% increase in revenue due to the expansion of its network, improved passenger, cargo, ancillaries, and other revenue streams.
Kenya Airways' board Chairman, Mr. Michael Joseph, praised the airline's performance in 2019, saying, “2019 was a commendable year where the airline continued to grow both passenger numbers and revenues compared to the previous year. We are definitely on the right flight path and although we experienced headwinds through the year, I am confident that we will continue to hold steady and deliver on our commitment to turn around the airline.”
