Kenya Airways has announced the suspension of flights to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
The suspension comes after the detention of KQ employees by the military intelligence Unit in Kinshasa.
Kenya Airways said it was unable to support its flights without personnel effectively.
“As a result, we reached a difficult decision to suspend flights to Kinshasa effective 30th April 2024 until we can effectively support these flights,” KQ said in a statement.
Allan Kilavuka, the KQ CEO revealed the detention of KQ employees has made it difficult for them to supervise operations in Kinshasa.
“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. We also ask that our staff be treated humanely and respectfully during this unlawful detention,” Kilavuka said.
Kilavuka apologised to customers for the suspension, he also said they are cooperating with DR Congo authorities for the release of their staff.
“We continue cooperating with the investigating agencies and the relevant Government entities in both DRC and Kenya to ensure this matter is resolved,”
“We ask that the Military court’s direction that they ARE released to allow due process to be respected so that our innocent staff can return to their families and everyday lives without harassment,” he added.
Two employees of KQ were arrested at N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa by officers from the military intelligence unit last week.
Their phones were seized and the company denied access to them.
“The reason for their arrest was the absence of Customs documents relating to valuable cargo that was to be carried on a KQ flight on April 12, 2024. However, this cargo was not cleared or accepted by KQ due to incomplete documentation,” KQ statement said.
