Kenya Airways (KQ) announced the suspension of all flights to Kinshasa, DRC effective April 30, 2024. This decision comes in response to the prolonged detention of several Kenya Airways employees by the Military Intelligence Unit in Kinshasa.
Allan Kilavuka, the Group Managing Director & CEO of Kenya Airways, in a statement, expressed deep concern over the continued detention of their employees and emphasized the airline’s inability to operate effectively without essential personnel. Kilavuka cited challenges in supervising operations in Kinshasa, including customer service, ground handling, and cargo activities, as reasons behind the suspension.
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The detained employees, whose welfare remains a priority for Kenya Airways, have been subjected to what the airline labels as “unlawful detention.” Kilavuka urged authorities to treat the staff with humanity and respect, highlighting the importance of upholding due process.
Kenya Airways assured affected customers that their safety and well-being remain paramount. Customers were advised to contact the customer excellence team for assistance regarding disrupted travel plans.
The airline reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating with investigating agencies and relevant government entities in both the DRC and Kenya to resolve the matter swiftly. Kilavuka appealed for the release of the detained employees to ensure that due process is respected and innocent staff can return to their families.
