A Kenya Airways plane/SCREENGRABKenya Airways has reported more than $7 million (about Sh905 million) in lost revenue and additional disruption-related costs following a three-day industrial action that disrupted aviation operations across the country.
In a statement, KQ Board chairman Kiprono Kittony said its operations had since returned to normal, with its full flight schedule restored and backlogs across its network cleared.
However, the airline said it was significantly affected by the disruption despite its employees not taking part in the industrial action.
“The disruption resulted in more than USD 7 million in lost revenue and additional disruption-related costs, including customer accommodation, meals, transportation, rebooking and related travel requirements,” Kittony said.
The industrial action was formally resolved on Tuesday, September 1, following the signing of a Return-to-Work Agreement involving the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU), the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the government.
As the largest airline operator at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Kenya Airways said it was nevertheless among the businesses significantly affected by the disruption.
Over the three days, the airline announced cancellations of 63 flights and recorded more than 160 flight delays, with average delays exceeding six hours.
The disruption also affected cargo operations, with more than 370 tonnes of fresh produce and meat unable to be uplifted.
Many customers, it added, also bore the brunt of the disruption, with passengers experiencing changes to their travel plans, additional expenses and, in some cases, missed personal, business and commercial opportunities.
“While these figures demonstrate the scale of the operational and commercial impact on Kenya Airways, we recognise that the greatest impact was felt by our customers,” Kittony said.
Kenya Airways apologised to passengers whose journeys were affected, acknowledging the inconvenience and frustration caused by the disruption.
“While the disruption was outside Kenya Airways' control, we recognise that our customers were affected, and we deeply regret the inconvenience and frustration caused,” he stated.
The carrier has now confirmed that most customers affected by the disruption have reached their final destinations, with teams continuing to assist those who still require support.
The airline highlighted the disruption had also underlined the need for stronger coordination among players in the aviation sector.
“Airlines, airports, regulators and other aviation service providers are interconnected, and effective collaboration between all stakeholders is essential to delivering a safe, reliable and seamless customer experience."
With operations fully restored, the airline said it would focus on serving customers and ensuring the safe and reliable movement of passengers and cargo across its network.
Kenya Airways has encouraged customers seeking updated flight information to check their flight status through its website, mobile application or other customer service channels.
