This archive report was first published on 24 April 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, expatriates in Kenya are facing exorbitant air fares to return to their home countries. Charter flights organized by foreign governments have led to a surge in ticket prices, with some airlines charging up to three times the normal rate.
Kenya Airways, for instance, is offering a charter flight from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to London Heathrow, with a one-way ticket costing Ksh187,692 ($1,876). This is a significant increase from the normal price of Ksh96,430 ($964) for a return ticket or Ksh48,215 ($482) for a one-way ticket.
According to Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka, the increased cost is due to the charter nature of the flight, which concentrates the cost on a few flights. He also cited the additional costs of protection, cleaning, and fumigation as contributing factors.
Mr. Kilavuka also clarified that the return flight would not carry any Kenyans, as some processes were not yet complete for bringing people back. The airline is still in negotiations with the government.
Foreign governments have continued to evacuate their citizens, with the European Union organizing a charter flight with Ethiopian Airlines that left for Frankfurt yesterday. The one-way ticket for this flight cost Ksh152,818 ($1,528), which is equivalent to the cost of a return trip during high season.
