Kenya’s parliament proposes a 25% increase in international air passenger charges to US$50 to fund aviation, tourism

KENYA – Kenya’s Parliament has advanced the Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment Bill, 2025), proposing a 25% increase in international ticket fees up to US$50 and a 20% hike in domestic charges.

The Bill recently passed its Second Reading and is expected to undergo further committee review before anticipated implementation by the end of 2025, pending final legislative approvals and presidential assent.

The additional revenue generated from these adjusted charges will be allocated to four key agencies: the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Meteorological Services Authority (KMSA), and a newly created consolidated Tourism Fund.

This funding structure aims to ensure targeted investments benefiting aviation infrastructure, safety, tourism marketing, and climate-related services.

Lawmakers justify the increase as a necessary step after a thirteen-year freeze on passenger charges.

They argue that updated fees are essential to provide steady financial support for upgrading airport facilities, advancing air traffic safety measures, promoting national tourism, and enhancing weather forecasting capabilities that support aviation and disaster preparedness.

The inclusion of KMSA as a funding beneficiary highlights escalating recognition of meteorological services’ role in maintaining flight safety and managing climate-related challenges.

Accurate weather data is increasingly vital amid changing climate patterns and their impact on aviation operations.

The adjustment aligns Kenya with regional counterparts such as Tanzania, which recently adopted a comparable international air ticket levy of US$45.

The harmonization aims to maintain competitive and sustainable aviation financing in East Africa.

Stakeholders within the aviation and tourism sectors are closely monitoring Parliament’s deliberations to ensure fund allocations effectively support critical infrastructure projects without imposing undue burden on airlines or passengers.

The government’s challenge will be balancing increased revenue needs with safeguarding affordability and quality of travel services essential to Kenyans, tourists, and business travellers.

Successful implementation of the Bill could enable Nairobi and other airports to modernize facilities, strengthen regulatory oversight, and expand tourism promotion efforts—key drivers of Kenya’s economic growth.

Industry observers stress the importance of transparent allocation and accountability mechanisms to translate new funds into improved passenger experience and safety enhancements.

As the legislation advances through the final stages, careful scrutiny will determine its impact on Kenya’s air transport ecosystem and regional aviation competitiveness.

The Bill’s progress marks a critical juncture for Kenya in securing sustainable investment to foster resilient and efficient air travel infrastructure.

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