This archive report was first published on 16 July 2020.
On July 16, 2020, Kenya Airways resumed domestic flights after a prolonged absence from the skies following the outbreak of COVID-19 in March. The airline has increased ticket prices to weather the pandemic, citing the high cost of operations in terms of keeping passengers and staff safe.
Chief Executive Allan Kilavuka stated that the pandemic has led to a significant increase in operational costs, including the use of personal protective equipment and sanitization. He emphasized that the airline aims to stimulate demand while covering its costs.
As part of the newly introduced safety measures, planes will be sanitized before take-off and after landing, while physical distancing and temperature screening of passengers at airports will also be enforced. Local flights will not serve meals to limit contact and movement within the aircraft.
Passengers who had booked tickets before COVID-19 halted flights have been given vouchers that will allow them to fly at a later date. The airline expects an upsurge in demand in the first few weeks due to the recently lifted travel restrictions in three counties, including Nairobi and Mombasa, before bookings tank.
Kenya Airways has resumed flights to Mombasa and Kisumu, with international flights slated for August. The airline's decision to increase ticket prices has been met with the expectation of higher fares for local flights.
