This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
Kenya Airways has been severely impacted by COVID-19 travel restrictions, with the airline's officials warning that social distancing requirements could make flying uneconomical.
According to officials, the airline has lost 10 billion shillings so far due to the restrictions, and this amount could hit 50 billion shillings if flights are grounded for the rest of the year.
During the annual general meeting on Friday, officials told shareholders that the airline is optimistic that the government will ease travel restrictions next month.
However, they called on authorities not to impose social distancing requirements, noting that it will make air tickets very expensive.
Kenya Airways has been surviving on cargo and chartered services since March, with its passenger aircrafts parked at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
As the industry awaits global service next month, airlines globally have been returning to service starting with domestic flights.
Meanwhile, exports are rebounding driven by tea and horticulture as key source markets ease travel restrictions.
Central Bank Governor Dr. Patrick Njoroge has warned that the rebound does not mean that the worst is over as there could be risks from effects of the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic on the global economy.
