Why KQ's losses have widened to Sh16.1 billion

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A KQ Boeing Dreamliner at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. [ Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Kenya Airways’ losses widened to Sh16.1 billion as rising jet fuel prices, aircraft availability challenges and higher operating costs continued to weigh on the national carrier’s financial performance.

The loss increased from Sh12.2 billion recorded in the previous reporting period, despite signs of recovery in passenger demand and revenue generation.

Kenya Airways said jet fuel prices rose by 66 per cent during the period, largely driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The increase pushed the airline’s fuel costs up by 32 per cent, putting further pressure on its margins.