Comparing Kenya Airways Tickets with Regional Airlines; Is KQ Too Expensive?

Kenyans have called out the Kenya Airways (KQ) on their flight fares that remain relatively high compared with regional competitors.

This came after the national carrier recorded a net loss of KShs 17.2 billion for the full year ended December 2025, down from a profit of KShs 5.4 billion in 2024.

According to the airline’s March 24 report, the company experienced a 13% decline in passenger numbers and an 18% reduction in available seat capacity.

“Despite the 18% capacity reduction, passenger numbers declined by 13%, resulting in 14% reduction in the Group’s total revenue,” the Kenya Airways Chairman, Kiprono Kittony, noted.

KQ Tickets Prices Compared with Other East African Airlines

Kenya Airways (KQ) ticket prices on key East Africa–Africa and intercontinental routes are higher than most regional competitors.

For Nairobi–Johannesburg, KQ fares start at KES 85,350, compared with Ethiopian Airlines and RwandAir.

On the Nairobi–Cape Town route, KQ charges over KES 100,000, the highest among the options, except for RwandAir, whose fares are substantially higher at KES 224,935.

Below are round‑trip economy fares for late March–early April 2026 (approximate, as of March 25, 2026; actual prices vary by date and booking time).

East Africa–Middle East/Europe Routes

For East Africa–Middle East and Europe routes, KQ tickets from Nairobi to Dubai range from KES 80,000 to 100,000, slightly above Ethiopian Airlines (KES 75,000+) but below RwandAir (KES 90,000+) and Qatar/Emirates (KES 70,000–90,000).

Nairobi–London fares with KQ start at USD 869 (KES 112,000+), higher than Qatar/Emirates (USD 750+) and Ethiopian (USD 800+), but slightly lower than RwandAir (USD 900+).

Overall, KQ fares remain consistently higher than most regional carriers on several major routes, contributing to perceptions of expensive air travel from Nairobi.

Also Read: Meet Captain George Kamal, KQ CEO and Allan Kilavuka’s Successor

Kenyans Cry Foul as Kenya Airways Fares Soar Above Regional Competitors

Kenya Airways (KQ) has faced criticism for its ticket prices remaining significantly higher than those of regional rivals, despite a KSh 17 billion revenue decline in 2025.

Kenyans say high fixed costs and KShs 12 billion in finance charges on legacy debt have erased any marginal operating gains, intensifying public frustration over steep fares amid constrained service.

“KQ’s 2025 revenue dip (Kes 17B) stems from grounding 33% of its wide-body fleet due to spare shortages, cutting capacity by 16%. High fixed costs and Kes 12B in finance charges on legacy debt wipe out any slim operating gains. It’s a capacity crisis met by a debt trap,” Kelvin Mwenda Karekie said.

KQ Plunges to Ksh17.2 Billion Loss

Also Read: Kenya Airways Slips Back into Loss in FY2025 Despite Operational Gains

According to Kenya Airways financial report, total revenue fell 14% to KShs 161.5 billion, largely due to a 13% decline in passenger numbers and an 18% reduction in available seat capacity.

Additionally, operating costs decreased slightly by 3% to KShs 167 billion, but finance costs rose, contributing to the overall loss.

The airline cited the temporary grounding of three Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliners, global supply chain constraints, and limited aircraft availability as key factors affecting performance.

 Despite the challenges, KQ expanded its intercontinental services, including a new London Gatwick route, while focusing on cost management, cash conservation, and capital raising to strengthen long-term operations.