Kenya Airways (KQ) will resume its direct flights to Kinshasa following the unconditional release of two of its employees by the Military Intelligence Unit.
The two employees were detained since 19th April 2024 on allegations of transporting cargo without customs documentation.
“We wish to thank all those who worked tirelessly for the release of our innocent colleagues. Special thanks to KQ colleagues who have been on the ground in Kinshasa and those in Nairobi working to secure their release,” said KQ Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Allan Kilavuka.
“We would also like to thank the Government of Kenya, led by the Prime Cabinet Secretary, His Excellency Musalia Mudavadi, and the Kenyan embassy in Kinshasa,” added Kilavuka.
“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.”
Direct flights to Kinshasa N’djili Airport from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) will kick off on 8th May 2024 at 8:30 am via aircraft Boeing 737-800 (Winglets) and will arrive at Kinshasa at 8:50 am.
“We will continue cooperating with the investigating agencies and the relevant Government entities in both DRC and Kenya.”
KQ suspended flights to Kinshasa on 20th April 2024, making passengers book flights from other airlines to Kinshasa.
The move was a protest by the National Carrier following the detention of its employees.