06/17/2026
Kenya Airways is preparing to return several long-grounded Boeing 787- 8 Dreamliners to service, ending a prolonged disruption caused by engine shortages and maintenance delays. The restoration follows the long-awaited arrival of replacement engines, allowing the airline to begin rebuilding its widebody fleet after severe capacity constraints.
The carrier operates nine Boeing 787-8s, which form the backbone of its long-haul network from Nairobi. At the height of the crisis in 2025, around one-third of the fleet was grounded, forcing Kenya Airways to cut capacity on key routes to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, damaging connectivity and revenues just after the airline had returned to profitability in 2024.
With engines now becoming available, Kenya Airways expects fleet recovery by the end of 2026, alongside the return of three Embraer regional jets. While some aircraft remain parked, the airline views the development as a critical step toward stabilising operations and recovering from years of disruption linked to global engine supply constraints.
Source: Dj's Aviation