This archive report was first published on 7 July 2020.
Kenya's Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has made a significant announcement regarding domestic flights, which are set to resume on July 15th. In a move to ensure the sustainability of the industry, KCAA has exempted domestic flights from leaving middle seats empty.
According to Gilbert Kibe, the director-general of KCAA, flying with middle row seats empty would be unsustainable for many airlines. This is because blocking middle seats would limit airplanes to two-thirds of their normal capacity, making it difficult for airlines to operate profitably without increasing fares.
As a result, some airlines may be forced to increase ticket prices, creating a disadvantage to hundreds of passengers. However, with the exemption in place, domestic flights will be able to operate at full capacity, ensuring that passengers have a wider range of options and airlines can continue to provide affordable services.
It's worth noting that international flights are set to resume on August 1st, 2020, and will be subject to the same public health regulations as domestic flights, including temperature screenings and the wearing of face masks.
