Service charges collected on air passengers’ travel costs are set to be channelled towards aviation safety and tourism under changes approved by the National Assembly. Parliament passed the Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on Thursday, August 27, which seeks to change how money raised through the levy is managed and allocated. The proposal would give the charge a more defined role in financing activities within Kenya’s aviation sector.A key focus is strengthening aviation safety by supporting institutions responsible for maintaining safe and efficient air transport operations. Part of the revenue would also support tourism promotion, capitalising on the role of air travel in connecting Kenya to international and domestic visitors. “The Bill seeks to streamline the management and allocation of the Air Passenger Service Charge, with the broader objective of ensuring that funds generated from the charge contribute directly to strengthening aviation safety and promoting tourism,” Parliament explained in a statement.The statement added, “A stronger aviation safety framework will benefit passengers, airlines and other players in the aviation industry while enhancing confidence in Kenya’s air transport system.”For passengers, the change concerns the use of the service charge included in their travel costs rather than the entire amount paid for an airline ticket.The legislation also seeks to bring greater clarity to the administration and distribution of money collected through the charge. Aviation operators and travellers would consequently have a clearer link between the levy and spending on safety and air transport services. The changes come amid increased domestic and regional travel due to strong local tourist attractions and more favourable entry requirements in other countries.Further, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) recently approved a new batch of air service licences, paving the way for additional domestic and international routes for travellers in Kenya and across the region.
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