Kenya Airways has disclosed that it lost more than USD7 million in revenue and disruption-related costs following a three-day industrial action that disrupted aviation operations across Kenya.
The airline said its employees were not participating in the strike, with its operational teams remaining on duty throughout the disruption to support customers and sustain operations as far as possible.
The industrial action was formally resolved on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, after the signing of a Return-to-Work Agreement involving the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the Government of Kenya.
Despite not taking part in the strike, Kenya Airways was significantly affected because it is the largest airline operator at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
During the three-day disruption, the national carrier cancelled 63 flights and recorded more than 160 flight delays, with average delays exceeding six hours.
The disruption also prevented the airline from uplifting more than 370 tonnes of fresh produce and meat, further affecting Kenya’s export supply chain.
Kenya Airways said the more than USD7 million impact comprised lost revenue as well as additional costs associated with customer accommodation, meals, transportation, rebooking and other travel arrangements.
The airline noted that while the financial impact was significant, customers bore the greatest burden, with many facing disrupted travel plans, additional expenses and missed personal, business and commercial opportunities.
The disruption comes as Kenya Airways continues to navigate a difficult financial environment.
Kenya Airways Posts KSh16.1 Billion H1 Loss
In its 2026 half-year financial results, Kenya Airways reported a loss after tax of KSh16.1 billion, widening from the KSh12.2 billion loss recorded during the corresponding period last year.
The airline attributed the continued financial pressure to a challenging operating environment, including persistent global supply-chain constraints.
Shortages of critical aircraft spare parts, extended lead times and delays in component availability affected aircraft availability and operational reliability.
Consequently, Kenya Airways’ total operating costs increased by 14 per cent, putting further pressure on the airline’s margins.
Kenya Airways Chairman Kiprono Kittony said the airline’s immediate focus is on recovery and establishing a stronger financial and operational foundation.
“Our focus now is firmly on recovery and building a stronger Kenya Airways. We will continue to manage costs rigorously, conserve cash, restore fleet capacity, reduce leverage and complete our capital raising.”
Fleet Recovery Offers Relief
The airline has, however, reported progress in restoring its fleet capacity.
One Boeing 787-8 resumed operations in mid-July 2026, while a Boeing 777-300ER has also been redelivered and returned to Kenya Airways’ operations.
The return of the aircraft is expected to improve network resilience, increase operational flexibility and enable the airline to respond to additional demand as market conditions improve.
Kenya Airways said its immediate priorities include restoring fleet availability, maintaining disciplined capacity deployment, accelerating cost-reduction initiatives and strengthening liquidity.
The carrier is also seeking to improve operational resilience, reliability and aircraft utilisation while completing its planned capital raising.
The latest disruption has further highlighted the interconnected nature of Kenya’s aviation sector, with Kenya Airways calling for stronger coordination among airlines, airports, regulators and other aviation service providers to ensure safe, reliable and seamless air travel.