In a recent announcement, Kenya Airways (KQ) has declared the suspension of its flights to Kinshasa, effective April 30th, 2024. This decision stems from the ongoing detention of KQ employees by the Military Intelligence Unit in Kinshasa, rendering it impossible for the airline to operate without necessary personnel support.
Allan Kilavuka, the Group Managing Director & CEO of Kenya Airways, expressed the company’s profound regret over the situation, emphasizing the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of both customers and staff.
“The continued detention of our employees has made it difficult for us to supervise our operations in Kinshasa, which include customer service, ground handling, cargo activities, and generally ensuring safe, secure, and efficient operations,” Kilavuka stated.
The suspension of flights to Kinshasa reflects the airline’s commitment to upholding the dignity and rights of its employees, who are currently undergoing what KQ describes as “unlawful detention.” Kilavuka called for the humane and respectful treatment of the detained staff during this challenging period.
Kenya Airways acknowledged the inconvenience caused to its customers by this decision but reiterated that safety remains the top priority.
The airline assured its patrons of continued cooperation with investigating agencies and relevant government entities in both the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Kenya to facilitate a swift resolution to the matter.
“We continue cooperating with the investigating agencies and the relevant Government entities in both DRC and Kenya to ensure this matter is resolved,” Kilavuka affirmed. He further appealed to the Military court for the release of the detained employees to allow due process to be respected, enabling them to return to their families and normal lives without further delay or harassment.
In light of these developments, Kenya Airways extends its apologies to its customers affected by the suspension of flights to Kinshasa. The airline remains committed to monitoring the situation closely and hopes for a swift and just resolution that would allow for the resumption of normal operations in the affected region.
As the 30th of April approaches, Kenya Airways emphasizes its unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of all involved parties, while also advocating for the fair treatment and release of its unjustly detained employees in Kinshasa.
On April 19, 2024, two workers were apprehended under suspicion of facilitating the inclusion of unauthorized baggage onto a Kenya Airways flight.
On April 26, Kilavuka announced that the company’s management, in collaboration with the authorities in Kenya, is working with the RDC to secure temporary release for these workers. The RDC government has not yet issued a statement regarding this matter