This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
As Kenya gradually eases Covid-19 restrictions, the Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has announced a relaxation of rules for domestic flights. According to KCAA director-general Gilbert Kibe, airlines will not be compelled to keep middle row seats empty when they resume passenger flights.
This decision is based on concerns that keeping seats empty would be unsustainable for some airlines, potentially leading to increased ticket prices and locking out many passengers.
Under new rules by the Ministry of Trade, airlines are directed to limit passenger numbers to nearly half of their capacity. However, Kibe emphasized that airlines will be allowed to operate in a way that ensures their sustainability.
“Airlines in Kenya will be allowed to operate in such a way that they will be able to remain sustainable. Keeping seats in the middle row empty is unsustainable,” Mr Kibe said.
Additionally, Kibe stated that airlines will implement other measures to combat the spread of the virus, including the use of face masks, pre-flight screening, and sanitizing cabins to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged African countries to strictly observe safety measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. With many African economies heavily reliant on travel and tourism, which have been severely impacted by the pandemic, the WHO's recommendations are crucial in preventing further spread of the virus.
As of now, several countries, including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Tanzania, and Zambia, have permitted the resumption of domestic flights. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has also announced plans to resume flying by July 25.
WHO has recommended comprehensive entry and exit screening protocols, social distancing, cough etiquette, registration of incoming passengers, and follow-ups to track the outbreak.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to address the nation today and lift a raft of measures introduced to curb the spread of the virus, despite increasing numbers of new infections.
