Nairobi, Aug. 25 -- Kenya Airways' net loss for the six months to June 2026 jumped 31.9 percent to Sh16 billion after its costs grew exponentially to a record level due to the Middle East conflict.

The national flag carrier's costs during the period surged by 12 percent to a record Sh97.7 billion, up from last year's Sh86.7 billion, pushing up its losses from the Sh12.2 billion reported in the first half of 2025.

This was largely due to a surge in fuel costs, which rose to Sh29 billion, accounting for roughly 32 percent of its operating costs, up 66 percent from Sh17.47 billion, which was 22 percent of operating costs.

"Our costs increased significantly because of the Middle East crisis, which increased our fuel costs," said Mary Mweng...