Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya Airways said on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, that its fuel costs increased 72% during the first half of 2026, with the airline attributing the sharp rise to the ongoing Middle East conflict. The announcement, reported from Nairobi, also highlighted wider operational disruption, including delays in receiving aircraft spare parts and carrying out maintenance. Kenya Airways’ Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Capt. George Kamal, said the conflict and resulting cost pressures were affecting the carrier’s operations as it works to contain expenses.
The latest fuel-cost increase comes as Kenya Airways faces a significantly higher operating burden. Kamal has previously said fuel represents a substantial share of airline operating expenses in Africa, with the figure now exceeding 50% under current market conditions. In June, he said fuel could account for between 50% and 60% of operating costs depending on taxation and regulatory pressures.
The airline is also responding to the higher cost environment by tightening spending. Recent reporting said Kenya Airways is reviewing its contracts as part of a fresh cost-cutting drive, while aircraft availability remains a challenge because of difficulties obtaining parts and completing maintenance.
The pressure on fuel prices follows the sharp disruption to energy markets caused by the conflict. Earlier in the crisis, Kamal said the price of Jet A-1 had more than doubled and that fuel accounted for about 40% of Kenya Airways’ total operational costs at the time. The airline had also built fuel reserves sufficient for roughly 50 days and explored additional supplies from India.
At the same time, the conflict has produced an unusual benefit for Kenya Airways by diverting passengers away from disrupted Middle Eastern transit hubs. In March, Kamal said some routes had recorded load factors of more than 90%, compared with roughly 70% during the normal low season, as travellers looked for alternatives through Nairobi.
The airline is therefore facing a mixed impact from the crisis: stronger demand on some international routes, but substantially higher fuel and operational costs and difficulties obtaining aircraft parts. Kenya Airways’ latest August 19 announcement places the 72% first-half fuel-cost increase at the centre of those pressures as the carrier continues efforts to control costs and maintain fleet availability.
