Kenya Airways suspends DRC flights in protest over detained crew

Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced the suspension of its flights to Kinshasa, effective April 30, 2024, citing the ongoing detention of its employees by the Congolese military in the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The decision comes in response to the arrest of two KQ employees at Kinshasa International Airport (FIH) on April 19, 2024, by the Military Intelligence Unit (Etat-Major des Renseignements Militaires) of the Armed Forces of the DRC. Despite military court orders for their release, the employees remain detained with limited access to communication, prompting KQ to take action to ensure the safety and well-being of its 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," remarked Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, in a statement addressing the situation. "As a result, we reached a difficult decision to suspend flights to Kinshasa [...] until we can effectively support these flights."

The employees were apprehended over allegations related to missing customs documentation for valuable cargo. Kenya Airways asserts that the airline had not yet accepted the cargo due to incomplete documentation provided by the logistic handler. Moreover, KQ maintains that the arrest occurred while the cargo was still in the baggage section, distancing the employees from direct involvement in the alleged discrepancies.

The suspension of flights to Kinshasa underscores the seriousness of the situation and the airline's commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of its personnel. Kenya Airways expressed regret over the disruption to travel plans for passengers, assuring them of efforts to provide alternative arrangements where possible.

The airline is actively engaging with relevant authorities in the DRC to seek the release of its detained employees and resolve the underlying issues related to the incident. In the meantime, Kenya Airways remains committed to upholding the highest standards of operational integrity and professionalism.

The suspension of flights to Kinshasa serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by airlines operating in complex geopolitical environments, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic engagement and adherence to legal protocols to safeguard the interests of all parties involved.