Kenya Airways Suspends Flights to Kinshasa Amid Employee Detention Controversy

Nairobi, Kenya - In a dramatic turn of events, Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced the suspension of its flights to Kinshasa, DR Congo, citing the "unlawful" detention of two of its employees by Congolese military intelligence.

The national carrier declared this suspension in a statement released on X, formerly known as Twitter, which will take effect starting Tuesday.

The issue began on April 19, when two employees of Kenya Airways were detained by the Military Detection of Anti-Homeland Activities (DEMIAP) on allegations related to "missing customs documentation on valuable cargo," according to the airline.

However, the KQ chief executive countered these claims, stating that the airline had not accepted or uplifted the cargo in question due to incomplete documentation.

The incident escalated as the detained employees had their phones confiscated and were denied access until April 23. It was only then that officials from the Embassy and representatives from Kenya Airways were permitted to visit them.

Amidst the ongoing tension, Kenya Airways has called on the Congolese military to release the detained employees and allow them to return to their families, emphasizing the importance of their personnel for the operation of flights.

As of now, the government of DR Congo has not issued any comments regarding the situation.

This development could potentially strain diplomatic relations between Kenya and DR Congo, impacting not only aviation but also broader geopolitical dynamics in the region.

The suspension of flights by Kenya Airways underscores the airline’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its staff, reflecting the serious nature of the allegations and the impact on international business operations.

The resolution of this case will be closely watched by international observers and the aviation industry alike.