Flights cancelled as KQ pilots stage go-slow

The crisis at Kenya Airways has deepened after pilots went into a go-slow that will result in flight cancellations and delays.

The company’s chief executive Titus Naikuni yesterday confirmed the flight disruptions in a statement to the media.

“Kenya Airways pilots, acting under their union, the Kenya Airline Pilots Association (Kalpa), have withdrawn their goodwill with the management of Kenya Airways,” Mr Naikuni said.

“The withdrawal of goodwill may cause some disruptions in flight schedules and some flights may have to be cancelled.”

KQ has traditionally negotiated an agreement with Kalpa that requires its members to be voluntarily available to work for certain hours during off time, which is known as goodwill.

The pilots are protesting at the recent lay-offs of more than 600 employees and alleged high-handedness at KQ.

The Ministry of Labour has termed the manner in which the airline retrenched the workers cruel and brutal.

Last week, KQ was hit by delays after cabin crew went on a go-slow over similar grievances. Last Friday, a source said seven flights from Nairobi were either cancelled or delayed.

Last Wednesday, passengers told the Sunday Nation that a 12.40 pm flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport was rescheduled after a lengthy delay. The passengers were later taken to the Panari and Laico Regency hotels.

South Africa-bound passengers were booked on a 5 am flight on Thursday that left three hours later.

Some Kenyan MPs and parliamentary staff going to the Third Session of the Pan African Parliament which opens tomorrow in South Africa were affected by the delays. The same night a flight to Bangkok had to be cancelled.

On Saturday, Mr Naikuni promised that the company would continue to operate its flights and ensure a smooth provision of services. He said the management was in discussions with Kalpa and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority to reach an agreement on the matter.

In the last few days, disappointed airline customers have taken to the social media to vent their anger over the mess. On Friday, Central Imenti MP Gitobu Imanyara, who had travelled to London on Thursday for the Mau Mau case ruling, said he witnessed some vocal demonstrations from angry West African passengers.

“After what appeared to be an unannounced go-slow by a section of KQ staff that, I learnt, caused a number of flight cancellations and delays,” the legislator tweeted.

“My plea to the leadership of KQ is to be responsive to staff grievances before we cripple the ‘pride of Africa’.”

Last Saturday, Amadou Mahtar Ba tweeted: “Ok #KenyaAirways. Now captain says pbm is still not fixed and pax to disembark. I am going to try collect my luggage and head home.”

He added: “#KenyaAirways can do better. Went from flight delayed to cancelled. Offering pax hotels but not taxi for those of us heading home. Na way.”

“My consolation prize with KQ116 (Amsterdam) cancellation is I get to stay 1 more day and night at home with my boys.” Another passenger said: “#KenyaAirways. Are you really the pride of Africa...darnnn!”

Kabelo Pududu said: “Was meant to depart at 10:55, it’s now 13:34 and I’m still here...#KenyaAirways”