Kenya Airways (KQ) announced the resumption of flights to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following the release of two airline employees who were detained by military authorities in April.
The airline had suspended flights on April 29th, calling the detentions “unlawful.”
In a statement released on Monday, KQ confirmed the unconditional release of the employees, who had been held since April 19th.
The airline also stated they would resume flights to Kinshasa on May 8th, 2024.
This follows the earlier release of Lydia Mbotela, KQ’s DRC manager, as announced by Kenya’s foreign affairs ministry.
The detentions stemmed from an alleged discrepancy in customs documentation for “valuable cargo.”
KQ maintains the cargo was never accepted due to incomplete paperwork and remained in the baggage area during the incident.
The airline’s CEO, Allan Kilavuka, stated all attempts to explain this to military officials were unsuccessful.
The DRC government has yet to comment on the allegations.
The employees were reportedly held incommunicado in a military facility until embassy officials and a KQ team secured a visit on April 23rd.
