A fresh list of air operators cleared to provide services in Kenya and across the region has been released by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), with international airlines and local carriers among those receiving new approvals.
The licences cover a wide range of aviation activities, including passenger and cargo flights, mail services, flight training, aerial work and self-fly hire. Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation (Saudia), Jambojet Limited and several operators from Tanzania are among the companies whose applications have been approved.
KCAA published the decisions in a Kenya Gazette notice dated August 7, 2026. The approvals were made under the Civil Aviation Act No. 21 of 2013 and the Civil Aviation (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations, 2025.
The latest decisions relate to applications that had earlier been listed in Kenya Gazette Notice No. 4166 of March 19, 2026.
"PURSUANT to the provisions of the Civil Aviation Act No. 21 of 2013 and the Civil Aviation (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations, 2025 (Regulation 28), notice is given that the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has made decisions on applications for air service licences whose particulars were previously published in the Kenya Gazette Notice No. 4166 of 19th March, 2026," read the notice in part.
Saudia has been cleared to carry out international non-scheduled cargo operations for two years, with its licence taking effect on January 14, 2026.
The approved network includes Jeddah/Nairobi/Jeddah and Jeddah/Nairobi/Moscow. The airline can also operate through Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, N’djamena, Lagos, Eldoret, Kano, Khartoum, Niamey and Entebbe.
The Saudi carrier will use Boeing 777, Boeing 747 and Airbus A330 aircraft for the services, with its aircraft based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Despite the approval, Saudia has not been granted traffic rights between Nairobi and Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, N’djamena, Lagos, Kano, Khartoum, Niamey, Entebbe and Eldoret.
Jambojet has also secured approval to operate international non-scheduled services for one year, starting July 29, 2026.
Its licence covers passenger, cargo and mail services to and from points in Africa and other parts of the world. The carrier will operate DHC-8 aircraft based at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airport.
Several operators from Tanzania have also received approval to serve the Kenya-Tanzania market.
Tanzanian Air Services Limited has been issued with a two-year licence effective February 12, 2026. It will provide international non-scheduled passenger, cargo and mail services between designated entry and exit points in Kenya and Tanzania.
The company will operate B350, B200 and C406 aircraft based in Dar es Salaam.
Air Excel Limited received a one-year licence from February 12, 2026, allowing it to offer international non-scheduled passenger services between designated entry and exit points in the two countries.
Its approved fleet comprises L410 and C208 aircraft, which will be based in Arusha.
Regional Air Services Limited was given a two-year licence effective December 14, 2025, to operate passenger services between Tanzania and Kenya.
The airline will use C208 and DHC8 aircraft based in Arusha.
Tropic Helicopters Limited also received a one-year approval beginning July 29, 2026, for international non-scheduled passenger, cargo and mail services between Tanzania and Kenya.
The licence also allows the company to provide self-fly hire services.
However, KCAA declined its applications for aerial patrol and observation, aerial photography and sightseeing, agricultural spraying, fire spotting and control, as well as game and livestock services.
The authority also approved licences for aviation training and other specialised operations.
Pegasus Flyers (E.A) Limited received a three-year licence effective April 16, 2026, to provide flying instruction within Kenya.
The company will use a C172 aircraft based at Wilson Airport for the training services.
Renegade Air Limited was granted a one-year licence effective July 29, 2026, for a range of aerial work activities.
Its approved services include advertising, patrol and observation, aerial photography, agricultural operations, cloud spraying, fire control, game and livestock activities and parachute jumping.
Renegade Air will use DHC8, ATR42, ATR72, F50 and CRJ200 aircraft based at Wilson Airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airport.