Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has once again been thrown into chaos, this time by a fuel shortage that threatens to disrupt flights.
Just weeks after a previous incident involving striking workers, passengers now face another round of uncertainty as airlines grapple with limited jet fuel supply.
Why it matters: JKIA is the region's biggest and busiest airport with disruption likely costing businesses, individuals and the government millions of shillings.
Dig deeper: Thursday morning saw JKIA operations disrupted, as a shortage of A1 fuel disrupted airport services. The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) acknowledged the issue and assured passengers that operations had resumed after rectifying the problem.
However, the disruption leaves travellers on edge, with many being advised to consult airlines for updates on flight schedules.
This latest incident is not an isolated occurrence. In 2019, JKIA faced a similar fuel shortage, forcing airlines to divert to neighbouring airports for refuelling. The shortage, attributed to inadequate fuel orders by oil marketers, significantly increased costs for airlines, with jet fuel prices soaring in regional airports.
For instance, refuelling in Entebbe costs 12 cents more per litre than in Nairobi, while in Juba, the price difference stretches to 30 cents per litre.
Airlines are now bracing for higher operating costs, a situation made worse by the airport’s history of fuel supply inconsistencies. For passengers, this translates into possible delays, cancellations, and increased ticket prices as carriers attempt to manage the crisis.
Adani takeover: As the dust settles on this disruption, it comes against the backdrop of an ongoing debate surrounding the proposed takeover of JKIA by Adani Holdings. The government has set stringent conditions for the Indian conglomerate before greenlighting its Ksh260 billion takeover bid.
Among these demands is the protection of local jobs, with Adani being required to absorb all current JKIA staff as part of the deal.
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, during a fiery Senate session, confirmed that the Public Private Partnership (PPP) committee will not approve the deal until all 22 conditions are met. The revamp of JKIA, East Africa’s busiest airport, hangs in the balance as both parties continue negotiations.
Adding to the uncertainty, Pokot South MP David Pkosing called for an immediate halt to all proceedings with Adani Holdings until a special audit is completed by the Parliamentary Transport Committee. The audit, which aims to scrutinise the terms of the takeover, has raised concerns about transparency and the potential impact on national interests.
Pkosing stressed that the committee's findings could significantly alter the trajectory of the deal, urging KAA to refrain from signing any agreements until the audit report is tabled in Parliament.
The timing of the fuel shortage adds to the growing concerns about JKIA’s management and operational efficiency. As airlines contend with higher costs and passengers face delays, the spotlight is firmly on the airport’s ability to maintain consistent services amid ongoing political and economic debates.
Kenyans are keenly watching both the fuel crisis and the Adani takeover talks, as these developments could shape the future of one of the region’s most crucial transport hubs. With the cost of travel already high, further disruptions at JKIA threaten to dent confidence in the airport's reliability, especially as the government grapples with broader infrastructure challenges.
