Kenya Airways says its fuel cost up 72% due to Middle East conflict

NAIROBI: Kenya Airways said on Wednesday that the Middle East conflict had driven up its fuel costs by 72% in ​the first half of this year and caused delays ‌to supplies of spare parts and plane maintenance.

One of Africa’s largest airlines, Kenya Airways is due to announce its 2026 half-year results early next week.

 “We ​have been heavily impacted by the war with the fuel ​prices rising by 72% in the current half year,” ⁠acting CEO George Kamal told journalists in Nairobi, adding that ​fuel now accounted for up to 50% of all costs.

He said ​the airline was also grappling with delayed aircraft parts deliveries, reduced aircraft availability and a global rise in inflation and that those factors would impact its ​revenue.

Kamal said although the global backlog in aircraft supplies was ​affecting many operators, Kenya Airways’ small fleet of 40 planes means it was ‌being ⁠severely affected.

“We have demand, every route we deploy … it’s full so we need the aircraft as soon as possible,” he said. The airline is awaiting delivery of two Boeing 737 planes while another ​two that were ​due for delivery ⁠in April were rejected after failing inspection tests, he said.

Last year, Kenya Airways reported a pre-tax loss ​of 17.93 billion Kenyan shillings ($138.56 million) on lower revenues ​after ⁠a rare profit the previous period.

“We are reviewing every single contract at KQ (Kenya Airways) and finding how to save every dollar because our ⁠profit ​per seat is just $1.50 and we have ​to save every dollar we make,” he said.