Kenya Airways said bookings on its flights have surged in recent weeks as disruptions tied to tensions in the Middle East reshape global travel patterns.
The airline said its seat occupancy rate has climbed to near full capacity, up sharply from earlier in the year, driven largely by travelers from Europe, the United States and parts of Asia.
The aviation sector has been unsettled by tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, prompting several carriers to reroute flights, avoid certain airspace and, in some cases, suspend services. The disruptions have reduced travel options and redirected demand toward airlines operating outside the immediate conflict zone.
Acting Chief Executive George Kamal said the shift became noticeable after February, with bookings rising steadily to near-capacity levels across much of the airline’s network.
Across the industry, airlines have adjusted schedules and reviewed stopover points to limit exposure to affected regions, while some have raised ticket prices in response to stronger demand and operational constraints.
Kenya Airways said routes linking Africa with Western markets and Asia are performing particularly strongly as passengers seek alternative connections.
The airline added it has secured fuel supplies for nearly two months and is exploring additional sourcing options, including from India, to maintain stable operations amid uncertainty in global markets.
The developments underscore how geopolitical tensions are increasingly influencing airline networks and passenger flows worldwide.