NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 25 – Kenya Airways (KQ) widened its net loss to Sh16.1 billion in the first half of 2026, from Sh12.2 billion a year earlier, as higher operating costs put pressure on its finances.
The airline’s operating costs rose to Sh91.9 billion in the six months to June, up from Sh80.7 billion in the same period last year.
KQ said the increase was mainly driven by higher fuel, aircraft maintenance and other operating costs.
Fuel expenses rose by 32 percent following an increase in global oil prices linked to the Iran conflict, which disrupted fuel supplies.
The rise in global fuel prices also pushed up local petroleum prices, with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) increasing the price of kerosene, which is used by commercial airplanes, by Sh38.60 per litre in May.
Kerosene currently costs Sh191.38 per litre in Nairobi, up from Sh152.78.
“Jet fuel prices rose 66 percent due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East leading to a 32 percent increase in fuel costs,” KQ Board Chair Kiprono Kittony said.
KQ also faced operational challenges after three Boeing 787 Dreamliners were grounded, while some of its smaller aircraft required maintenance.
The airline said the combination of higher fuel costs and aircraft maintenance affected its performance during the period.
