Kenya Airways says the Middle East conflict has pushed up its fuel costs by 72 per cent while delaying spare parts and aircraft maintenance.

Acting chief executive officer George Kamal disclosed this on Wednesday during a media briefing in Nairobi.

Mr Kamal said fuel now accounted for up to 50 per cent of the airline’s total operating costs.

He said delayed aircraft parts, reduced aircraft availability and rising global inflation were also affecting the airline’s revenue.

According to him, global shortages of aircraft supplies were affecting several airlines, but Kenya Airways was particularly impacted because of its relatively small fleet.

“We have demand, and every route we deploy is full, so we need the aircraft as soon as possible,” he said.

Mr Kamal said the airline was awaiting delivery of two Boeing 737 aircraft.

He added that two other aircraft scheduled for delivery in April were rejected after failing inspection tests.

Kenya Airways, one of Africa’s major airlines, is expected to announce its 2026 half-year financial results early next week.

The airline reported a pre-tax loss of 17.93 billion Kenyan shillings in 2025, after recording a profit in the previous period.

Mr Kamal said the airline was reviewing its contracts to reduce costs and improve profitability.

“We are reviewing every single contract at KQ and finding how to save every dollar,” he said.

He said the airline’s profit per seat was currently about $1.50, making cost reduction critical to its operations.

(Reuters/NAN)