Kenyan Airspace Ban
Dr. Ibrahim Al-Siddiq Ali
On November 20, 2018, a special Kenyan envoy met with President Omar al-Bashir, carrying a message from Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, requesting Sudan to open its airspace for Kenya Airways’ transit flights to Israel. The envoy made a strong appeal and presented various offers, but President Bashir firmly rejected the request. Amid Sudan’s internal political crisis, regional powers attempted to exploit the situation to their advantage. On December 5, 2018, another envoy, Kalindo Misoka, returned with the same request, even though the visit was officially related to peace efforts in South Sudan.
Long-haul flights pose a significant challenge for airlines, especially in an intensely competitive market. The high cost of fuel makes such flights financially burdensome. Sudan’s decision to ban Kenyan flights from its airspace has severe economic implications for Kenya Airways, depriving it of four key routes to and from Nairobi:
1. Flights to Turkey – A ticket to Istanbul costs over $1,400. Weekly tourist trips are organized, and there are more than ten airline connections between Turkey and Kenya, with Kenya Airways operating at least one daily flight.
2. Flights to Israel (Occupied Palestinian Territories) – Kenya is a favored destination for Israeli tourists, particularly due to its wildlife and safari attractions. There are 27 weekly flights on this route, with tickets costing over $900.
3. Flights to Cairo – Cairo serves as a critical transit hub for international travel, often linking tourists between Egypt’s pyramids and mummies and Kenya’s safari adventures.
4. Flights to Eastern Europe – While less significant than the previous routes, this market still plays a role in Kenya Airways’ operations.
The Economic Impact of Higher Ticket Prices
The increase in ticket prices will not only reduce Kenya Airways’ revenue but also impact the number of tourists traveling to Kenya, given the higher costs of flights. Tourism is a vital sector for Kenya’s economy.
The rising operational costs will make it harder for Kenya Airways to compete, leading to a projected 30% revenue loss—an enormous financial setback that will weaken the airline’s competitiveness.
It is worth noting that this region is highly competitive, with Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways vying for market dominance.
For all these reasons, regardless of attempts to downplay the ban, its economic and symbolic consequences are deeply painful for the Kenyan government.
