Published on September 22, 2025
Kenya Airways has hit a big snag in its goal to start nonstop flights from Nairobi to Beijing Daxing International Airport. The launch, originally set for 2025, is now being delayed. The airline was hoping to grow its footprint in Asia since 2025 also marks 20 years since it started flying to China, but a worldwide shortage of aircraft has put those plans on hold.

Supply Chain Challenges

Kenya Airways’ CEO, Allan Kilavuka, has announced that the airline faces a deep global shortage of planes and key spare parts, forcing a halt to plans for the new Beijing route. Ongoing global supply chain problems further limit availability of critical aircraft parts. Because of this, the airline is struggling to grow its network to Asia.

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The issue has left Kenya Airways struggling to maintain and expand its fleet. At present, several of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners remain grounded, awaiting necessary engine overhauls at limited facilities globally. This delay has caused a significant reduction in the airline’s operational capacity, affecting both domestic and international routes.

Geopolitical and Supply Chain Headwinds

The aviation business is still bouncing back from the effects of COVID-19. Even now, the leftover aftershocks from the pandemic, together with global issues like the Russia-Ukraine war and ongoing unrest in the Middle East, have made supply chains even tougher. Because of this, the regular upkeep work on planes has been pushed back, making the mechanic shortage even worse.

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Additionally, global aircraft manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus are struggling with a backlog of over 17,000 orders. This situation has made it increasingly difficult for airlines, including Kenya Airways, to procure new aircraft in a timely manner. The waiting period for new aircraft has extended to between seven and eleven years, putting further strain on the airline’s ability to expand.

Impact on Kenya Airways’ Operations

Due to these challenges, Kenya Airways has been forced to ground a portion of its wide-body fleet, reducing its overall capacity by 20%. This capacity crunch has significantly impacted the airline’s operations, especially on long-haul routes, and has delayed planned expansions like the Nairobi-Beijing flights.

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Despite these hurdles, Kenya Airways remains committed to improving its services and expanding its network. The airline’s long-term goal is to restart these direct flights to Beijing, a move that would significantly enhance business and tourism ties between Kenya and China.

Guide for Travelers

If you’re flying from Nairobi to Beijing and face flight delays, consider taking a different route. Connecting flights that stop at major hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi offer solid options. Check with your airline for the best times. Be sure to watch for updates from Kenya Airways; they will let you know when direct flights restart.
For those visiting Kenya, the airline’s current service disruptions do not affect domestic or regional flights, meaning travelers can still access Kenya’s major cities and wildlife attractions without issue.

Growing Demand for Air Travel Between China and Kenya

Kenya Airways’ proposed direct flights between Nairobi and Beijing were motivated by the growing demand for air travel between Kenya and China. The number of Chinese tourists visiting Kenya surged significantly, with arrivals increasing from 51,000 in 2023 to 80,000 in 2024. Projections indicate that this figure could rise to 150,000 in the near future.
Beyond tourism, the introduction of direct flights would have boosted business travel and trade, further strengthening the economic relationship between Kenya and China. With Kenya’s growing role in East Africa’s trade network, this direct route was seen as an opportunity to foster greater collaboration in sectors such as education, agriculture, and technology.

Economic Significance

Kenya Airways doesn’t just fly planes it fuels Kenya’s economy. Right now, its routes and operations add around $2.6 billion to the country’s GDP. More than 5,000 people work directly for the airline, and another 20,000 indirectly benefit from its everyday activities. When you count people employed in hotels, restaurants, and customs, the airline touches the lives of over 300,000 more in connected fields like tourism and trade.
The postponed Beijing service is a wake-up call: half a world away, a factory delay can ground a whole airline. Yet Kenya Airways is still the region’s most visible trade and tourism ambassador. From Nairobi to Zanzibar to New York, it links customers and cargo to endless possibilities.

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Tags: East Africa aviation, global aircraft shortage, kenya, Kenya Airways, nairobi

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