Kenya Airways said demand for its flights has surged sharply in recent weeks, driven by disruptions to global aviation routes caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The airline said passenger load factors a key measure of how full flights have climbed to nearly 100 percent, up from about 70 percent in January, as travellers reroute away from affected regions.
The spike follows the escalation of hostilities involving Iran, which has forced several international carriers to adjust flight paths, cancel services or reduce operations through parts of the Middle East.
“We were like this … until February. Then it significantly increased. We reached up to 90 percent, total, 90, 99,” said George Kamal, describing the rapid jump in demand.
He said the strongest growth has come from long-haul routes linking Africa to Europe, the United States and Asia, as passengers seek alternative travel options that avoid conflict-affected airspace.
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“The most we see the gains are coming from Europe, from the U.S. and Asia. Those routes are contributing very positively to our network now,” Kamal added.
The Middle East has long served as a critical aviation hub connecting global traffic between continents. However, the current conflict has disrupted this network, prompting airlines to rethink routes and, in some cases, bypass key transit points altogether.
This has created opportunities for carriers outside the region, including African airlines such as Kenya Airways, to capture additional passenger traffic.
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Industry analysts say the shift highlights how geopolitical tensions can rapidly alter global travel patterns, redistributing demand across different regions and airlines.
Some carriers have responded to the disruption by increasing fares, reflecting higher operating costs and tighter seat availability, while others have cut frequencies or suspended routes entirely.
Kenya Airways’ improved load factors suggest the airline is benefiting from the reconfiguration of global air travel flows, particularly as passengers look for safer or more reliable routing options.
However, the surge in demand also brings operational challenges.
The airline said it currently has about 56 days of jet fuel supply and is exploring additional sourcing options, including imports from India, to ensure continuity of operations.
Paul Njoroge said efforts are underway to secure more fuel amid concerns that supply chains could be affected by the broader geopolitical situation.
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Rising global oil prices, driven in part by the conflict, could also increase operating costs for airlines, potentially squeezing margins even as demand improves.
The aviation industry remains highly sensitive to geopolitical risks, with conflicts often leading to airspace closures, longer flight routes and higher fuel consumption.
While the current surge in demand presents a short-term boost for Kenya Airways, analysts caution that the situation remains fluid.
Any escalation or prolonged instability in the Middle East could further reshape travel demand, while a de-escalation could see traffic patterns normalise.
For now, Kenya Airways appears to be capitalising on shifting dynamics in global aviation, with stronger passenger numbers helping to support its recovery after years of financial challenges.
The airline has been undergoing restructuring efforts aimed at improving profitability and operational efficiency, and the recent demand uptick could provide some relief.
Still, the longer-term outlook will depend on how global travel trends evolve and whether the airline can sustain gains once geopolitical conditions stabilise.
