Kenya Airways (KQ) has suspended all flights to Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), starting Tuesday, April 30th, 2024.
The suspension comes after the DRC’s military intelligence unit detained two KQ employees on Friday, April 19th.
According to a statement released by KQ on Monday, April 29th, the airline can only accelerate flights to Kinshasa without trained personnel. The statement further criticizes the DRC military for disregarding a court order issued on Thursday, April 25th, which mandated the release of the employees.
“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,” the airline said.
Position Statement: Kenya Airways Suspends Flights to Kinshasa https://t.co/a3tEyBnO9n pic.twitter.com/4gstsoVcz0
— Kenya Airways (@KenyaAirways) April 29, 2024
The two employees were reportedly arrested for allegedly lacking proper customs documentation for valuable cargo.
KQ claims they refused to accept the cargo due to incomplete paperwork, but the military intelligence unit detained them.
Although the court ordered their release for further investigation, the military has continued holding the employees without allowing communication.
KQ also reports that the employees’ phones were confiscated during the arrest.
