Kenya Airways sees record passenger load amid Middle East tensions

Kenya Airways, the national carrier of Kenya, has reported record-high passenger loads, reaching 99% capacity on flights to Europe, the Americas, and Asia, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Bloomberg reports, citing company data. 

Travelers are seeking alternative routes as airports and airspace in several Middle Eastern countries remain restricted.

A Kenya Airways spokesperson said that this was unprecedented for that time of year and noted that typical seasonal load factors were significantly lower.

Disruptions to normal flight networks have prompted many passengers to reroute through East Africa, including hubs in Kenya and Ethiopia. The airline expects to retain at least 40% of these new customers, according to the company.

Fuel reserves are currently sufficient for the next 50 days, but Kenya Airways is actively seeking additional supply sources to ensure uninterrupted operations.

The surge reflects a broader trend of travelers adjusting plans in response to geopolitical instability, with airlines in alternative hubs benefiting from the disruption of traditional Middle Eastern flight routes.

The spokesperson added that passenger demand had spiked due to closures and restrictions elsewhere, emphasizing that the carrier was prepared to accommodate the increased traffic while ensuring operational stability.

By Vafa Guliyeva