KQ Cites Aircraft Shortages and Supply Chain Issues in Ksh17B Loss

Kenya Airways (KQ) has attributed its latest financial setback to a combination of persistent challenges affecting the global aviation sector, as it reported a Ksh 17.12 billion loss for the year ended December 2025.

The national carrier, Kenya Airways, said the results reflect pressures that have been building across the industry, particularly those tied to limited aircraft availability and disruptions within international supply chains.

In a statement issued on Monday, the airline explained that its performance was shaped by factors beyond its immediate control, which continue to affect airlines worldwide.

“We recently reported our financial results for the year ending December 2025, reflecting a net loss primarily driven by well-documented global aviation constraints, including fleet availability and supply chain disruptions,” the airline said.

The carrier pointed out that delays in acquiring aircraft parts, longer maintenance timelines, and constrained manufacturing capacity have reduced operational flexibility. These issues have made it difficult for airlines to maintain full fleet readiness, ultimately affecting capacity and revenue generation.

According to the airline, the grounding of part of its fleet during the period further limited the number of flights it could operate, contributing to the decline in earnings. With fewer aircraft in service, the airline was unable to fully meet demand on certain routes, impacting overall performance.

Despite the loss, the airline maintained that these challenges are not unique to its operations. It noted that similar constraints have been reported by other carriers globally, as the aviation sector continues to recover and stabilise after several years of disruption.

The financial results mark a reversal from the previous year, when the airline posted a net profit of Ksh 5.4 billion. The shift highlights how quickly external conditions can influence the fortunes of airlines, particularly those operating in a capital-intensive and highly interconnected industry.

KQ on govt support

The airline also reaffirmed its strategic importance to the country, noting that it continues to benefit from government support due to its role in facilitating connectivity, trade, and tourism. Its position as the national carrier has long placed it at the centre of Kenya’s broader economic and transport infrastructure.

“Historically, the Government of Kenya has continued to support Kenya Airways in our long-standing role as Kenya’s national carrier and a strategic national asset critical to connectivity, trade, and tourism,” the statement read.

Even with the financial challenges, Kenya Airways assured stakeholders that its operations remain stable. The airline said it has not experienced service interruptions and continues to operate flights according to schedule across its network.

“We remain focused on delivering safe, dependable, and efficient service while executing our turnaround strategy. We wish to reassure our customers, partners, and the public that our operations remain normal, with flights operating as per schedule across our network,” the airline added.

It further emphasised that all valid tickets remain fully honoured, encouraging customers to continue booking and travelling with confidence as it works through its recovery and optimisation plans.