The effects have been so dire that the domestic operators now require a financial loan of Sh3 billion to resume operations once the coronavirus containment measures are relaxed, with the industry data projecting that African airlines have so far lost Sh860 billion as at last month.

The move boosted aircraft movement at JKIA with data from KAA indicating that airplanes at JKIA stood at 65 percent the usual number in three months to May, largely because of cargo airlines.

The International Air Travel Association (IATA) has since March been warning of a dire consequence for the sector if respective governments will not move in to support their national carriers through financial bailouts.

Under the plan, the government, which owns 48.9 percent of KQ, is expected to buy out the remaining holders of 51.1 percent of the shares and form Aviation Holding Company to run the national carrier and Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), which manages airports in the country.

Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO), a lobby of commercial airline operators, said they were in a deep financial hole and need a loan from the government for training of their pilots, servicing of the aircraft and purchasing of spare parts.