Kenya Airways

Kenya Airways has a rigorous commitment to safety, validated by several international certifications. The airline holds the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, signifying its adherence to global safety standards. Furthermore, in November 2023, it received accreditation from IATA's Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO), recognizing its outstanding ground services and safety protocols. Kenya Airways also possesses the Third Country Operator (TCO) authorisation certificate from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which permits it to operate within European airspace. Kenya was not included on the EU Air Safety List (blacklist) as of November 2023. Although there was a temporary revocation of a license to maintain UK-registered aircraft in June 2022 due to a compliance audit failure related to temperature control devices, Kenya Airways has since demonstrated renewed compliance, successfully operating its first flight with EASA-accredited crew in September 2024.

Historically, Kenya Airways experienced a fatal accident in January 2000, when Flight 431, an Airbus A310, crashed off Abidjan, resulting in 169 fatalities. Another incident in July 1989 involved a Boeing 707 overrunning the runway due to brake failure. More recently, minor incidents include a bird strike in May 2024 at Kisumu, an engine shutdown in flight in June 2019, and a loss of communication incident over Germany in September 2021. In October 2023, a Kenya Airways flight (KQ100) from Nairobi to London was diverted due to a "possible security threat," which was later deemed to have "low credibility," highlighting the airline's adherence to stringent safety protocols.

As of March 2023, the average age of Kenya Airways' 32-aircraft fleet is 13.5 years, with its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners being the youngest at an average of 8.5 years. This fleet age is relatively younger compared to the broader African average of 17 years. The airline plans to focus on mid-life fleet upgrades and fuel-efficiency retrofits to enhance operational performance. Overall, Kenya Airways maintains a strong safety assessment, with Airline Ratings giving it a 7/7 safety rating. Its commitment to safety is recognized by its high standing in African aviation, with Kenya ranking second in Africa for aviation safety standards with a 91.77% score in the 2022 ICAO security audit. The airline received the British Safety Council International Safety Award in 2014 and was awarded 1st Runner's Up in the service category under the National Safety Awards in April 2024.