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TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia brings over five years of experience in financial, business, and technology reporting, offering deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.
Kenya Airways has announced the resumption of its flight operations in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This followed a move by the Congolese military to unconditionally release the two KQ staff arrested on April 19, 2024.
In a press statement released on Monday, May 6, KQ chief executive officer (CEO) Allan Kilavuka confirmed the release, vouching for their innocence.
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"We want to reiterate that our employees are innocent and were only carrying out their duties in strict adherence to the laid out procedures. We stand by their innocence and will continue to support them," said Kilavuka.
The airline explained that the release of their two staff provides the necessary support required to resume flights to Kinshasa.
Kilavuka notified customers and affected passengers that KQ will be flying to and from Kinshasa starting Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
"With the necessary ground support in place, we are pleased to announce that Kenya Airways will resume flights to Kinshasa on May 8, 2024. We look forward to serving our valued customers once again," he said.
Kilavuka thanked the Kenyan government and KQ staff, who worked tirelessly to ensure the release of their colleagues.
He assured the airline's compliance with investigative agencies and relevant government entities in the DRC and Kenya.
The airline suspended its flights to Kinshasa on April 30, 2024, resulting in the Congolese air transport crisis.
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, KQ confirmed that it flies daily to Kinshasa and the withdrawal of the flight operations could impact most of its passengers.
"We fly daily to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The suspension of the flight caused inconveniences on the route, but we apologise to our customers," said a source privy to the matter.
KQ's exit from the Congo route resulted in a shortage of air seats, plunging the airport in the country into a crisis.
The number of weekly passenger seats dropped by 1,813. This means daily 259 airseats provided by Kenya Airways were cut from the airspace, leading the passengers to scramble amid the reduced supply.
Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke
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Allan Kilavuka reiterated that released KQ staff were innocent.
Kenya Airways Resumes Flights to Kinshasa after Congo Military Releases
Detained staff members freed; Kenya Airways to resume flights to Kinshasa