Kenya Airways Suspends Flights to Kinshasa Over Detained Staff

The Management of Kenya Airways has suspended flights to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, due to continued detention of its employees

On April 19, wwo of the KQ staff were detained for allegedly failing to complete customs documentation on some “valuable cargo.”

The airline says the authorities in DR Congo have refused to free them despite an order from a military court.

“Due to the continued detention of KQ employees by the Military Intelligence Unit in Kinshasa, Kenya Airways (KQ) is unable to support our 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,” Kilavuka Allan Group Managing Director & CEO said in a statement.

He noted that the continued detention of their employees has made supervision of the airlines operations in Kinshasa difficult.

“We also ask that our staff be treated humanely and respectfully during this unlawful detention. We sincerely apologize to our customers for any inconvenience caused by this situation. We assure you that your safety and well-being, as well as that of our staff, is our number one priority. “

Kilavuka noted that they will continue cooperating with the investigating agencies and the relevant Government entities in both DR Congo and Kenya to ensure this matter is resolved.

He also appealed to the military in Kinshasa to release the two staff.