Kenya Airways Suspends Flights To Kinshasa

Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced the suspension of its flights to Kinshasa, the capital city of the DRC.

This decision, slated to take effect from April 30, 2024, is a direct consequence of the ongoing detention of several Kenya Airways employees by the Military Intelligence Unit in Kinshasa. The situation arose when several KQ staff members found themselves embroiled in a complex legal entanglement leading to their detention. This unfortunate turn of events has severely hampered the airline's ability to operate effectively in the DRC capital as it grapples with personnel constraints and safety and security concerns.

Without its staff on the ground, Kenya Airways has stated that it would be unable to adequately support its flights to Kinshasa, rendering it impossible to ensure critical operations such as customer service, ground handling, and cargo activities. Furthermore, the prolonged detention of these employees has made it exceedingly difficult for the airline to supervise operations in Kinshasa, compromising its commitment to passenger safety. In a position statement released today, KQ CEO Allan Kilavuka describes the decision to suspend flights to Kinshasa as a "difficult choice" necessitated by the continued detention of KQ employees.

"Until we can effectively support these flights," he states, "we have reached a difficult decision to suspend flights to Kinshasa."

The airline has also issued a sincere apology to its customers for the inconvenience caused, advising passengers planning to travel between Nairobi and Kinshasa to seek alternative arrangements during the suspension period. Moreover, Kenya Airways has made a heartfelt plea for the humane and respectful treatment of its detained staff during this unlawful detention. The well-being of these employees remains a top priority for the airline, which continues to cooperate with investigating agencies and relevant government entities in both the DRC and Kenya to ensure a swift resolution to this matter.

KQ hopes that the Military court will consider due process and release the detained staff, allowing them to reunite with their families and resume their everyday lives without further harassment.