Kenya Airways Faces Setback with \$93.6 Million Loss in First Half of 2025 Amid Fleet Challenges
After a brief return to profitability in 2024, Kenya Airways has slipped back into the red, posting a net loss of USD 93.6 million (KSh 12.17 billion) for the first half of 2025. This reversal comes as the airline grapples with significant operational disruptions, most notably the prolonged grounding of three Boeing 787 Dreamliners and several narrow-body aircraft, which has severely constrained capacity and revenue generation.
The impact on passenger numbers has been stark. Kenya Airways carried 2.2 million passengers during the period, representing a 14% decline compared to the same timeframe last year . This drop in traffic, combined with the reduced fleet availability, led to a sharp 19% fall in revenue, which totaled USD 580 million for the half-year . The airline attributes this underperformance directly to the maintenance-related grounding of key aircraft, which limited its ability to serve both regional and international routes effectively .
To address these challenges and support its turnaround strategy, Kenya Airways has announced plans to raise USD 500 million by the first quarter of 2026. The capital injection is intended to strengthen the airline’s fleet and operations, positioning it for a more sustainable recovery in the coming years .
This latest setback underscores the volatility facing African carriers as they navigate post-pandemic recovery, rising operational costs, and ongoing fleet management issues. For Africa’s travel sector, Kenya Airways’ experience highlights the importance of robust contingency planning, diversified revenue streams, and strategic investment in fleet reliability to ensure long-term competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.
As Kenya Airways works to restore stability and growth, the airline’s performance will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, investors, and travel professionals across the continent. The outcome of its planned capital raise and fleet renewal efforts could set important precedents for other African airlines facing similar operational headwinds.
