Kenya Airways Urges Customers to Cancel Tickets Due to Pilots’ Strike, Offers Refund
Kenya Airways (KQ) has urged its customers who have opted not to travel due to the ongoing pilots’ strike to cancel their tickets.
The carrier apologized to its customers over the impasse and promised to offer them a solution at the earliest opportunity, including rebooking them on other airlines.
"In case you choose not to travel, you can request for a refund for the unutilised ticket. You can also contact our Customer Care at Customer.RelationsPkenya-airways.com, the Kenya Airways Sales office or your Travel Agent for further assistance," KQ noted.
On Sunday, the airline announced the gradual resumption of flight services to specific routes including Entebbe (Uganda), Mombasa, and Lusaka (Zambia), but said the flights would only cater for those who had already booked to travel.
At least 10,000 passengers have been impacted by the industrial action that commenced on Saturday morning after KQ management and pilots failed to reach an agreement on the grievances they raised.
KQ Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka said 23 flights had been canceled as of 11:00 am on Saturday because of “the unlawful strike” and ordered the protesting pilots to return to work by 10:30 a.m. on Sunday failure to which they will face disciplinary action.
“Failure to do so will lead to immediate disciplinary action,” he warned.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the pilots’ strike was uncalled for and “similar to economic sabotage.”
The pilots under the Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) are protesting the withdrawal of the KQ staff provident fund, victimization and harassment of union officials and KALPA members, and non-adherence to regulations and the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA), among other grievances.
Comments (5)
Unless customer service practices have changed in most institutions and facilities in Kenya since the last time I needed help, God help those travelers. They will experience ineptitude they've never seen, especially those from countries where systems work.
The Novice Transport Cabinet Secretary Mr. Murkomen’s response will further add fuel to the fire! Call for dialogue or offer solutions dude! You were warned but you took the warning and or notice lightly!
I can only imagine the mental state of those who are stranded and must travel! Customer service in Kenya is worse than none!!
The ever broke KQ needs to climb down from the mountain of arrogance and autocratic behavior and negotiate with the pilots in good faith! Nothing more Nothing less!
Hello Kenya Kwanza! Know the meaning of professionls, yes those ones are not Mkojoteni drivers, jua kali, wheelbarrow or mama mbogas you are used to effing in the behind. When you are a professional you know your worth! I am EXTREMELY IMPRESSED BY THESE KENYAN PILOTS. Watajua Hawajui!
KQ just showing its customers the middle finger with ineptitude!!!