This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
Kenya is preparing to reopen its airspace for domestic and international flights in the next few weeks, following a three-month suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia has announced that airline capacity will not be reduced to observe social distancing rules, citing that if airlines carry less than 75% of their capacity, they would incur losses.
According to Macharia, passengers will be required to have a Covid-19 free certificate to travel, and an exception will be made for passengers who have to catch a late-night flight.
However, the CS discouraged travellers from having many people escorting them to the airport, citing the need to maintain social distancing.
Kenya Airways Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka had earlier warned that air ticket prices may increase if the government allows the national carrier to resume flights.
President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the resumption of international flights from August 1 and local flights from July 15, under strict guidelines.
