Domestic air ticket prices rise ahead of Christmas season

The price of domestic flight tickets is rising ahead of the festive season with bookings going up just days to Christmas.

Prices for early bookings between December 20 and 24 have almost doubled on some routes compared to reservations made a month ago.

Unlike the previous years when some routes were always fully booked by this time, nearly all airlines have available bookings for the Christmas season.

This means Kenyans who have not booked flights will pay more in a move that will boost revenues of the airlines that have suffered from a prolonged electioneering period.

“The numbers have been growing of late compared to the previous years, with more passengers seeking to travel by air,” Jambojet CEO Willem Hondius said.

Bookings last Friday to travel to Kisumu from Nairobi between December 18 and 20 were costing Sh4,200 one way on Jambojet, but it has now gone up to Sh7,200 for those who wish to travel on the dates.

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Passengers to Eldoret who booked flights in November enjoyed the lowest fare of Sh4,200 one way, but those booking as of Thursday to travel between December 21 and 22 will be charged between Sh5,200 and Sh7,200 depending on the day of travel and the flight time.

Passengers taking the midday flight to Eldoret will pay Sh7,200 while those travelling in the evening or the 6am flight will part with Sh5,200.

Those flying to Mombasa — another coastal town favoured for holidays — between now and December 18 will have to pay between Sh10,200 and Sh8,200 for one way.

Fly 540 to Mombasa on December 18 will charge passengers Sh11,270 for a one-way trip. Last month one could get an offer starting from Sh5,270 on the same route.

Skyward Express will charge passengers to the coastal city Sh9,000 for a single trip between Nairobi and Mombasa.