Kenya Airways suspends passenger flights between Kenya and UK effective 9th April
Kenya Airways PLC (KQ) has suspended passenger flights between Kenya and the United Kingdom (UK) effective April 9,2021 until further notice.
Through a statement, KQ said the suspension was due to the directive issued by the Government of Kenya suspending all flights from the UK.
However, KQ has added two new flights on 7th and 8th April due to the increased demand for travel to the UK before the advisory takes effect.
“We sincerely apologise to all our customers for the inconvenience. Customers impacted by the directive may change their bookings for later travel or request a refund with all penalties waived,” stated the statement.
“All tickets must be utilized before March 31,2022.”
On Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through a statement expressed regret and disappointment over a decision made by the government of UK to “Red List” Kenya and to stop all travel from Kenya for those residents in Kenya, and those transiting through Kenya, to Britain.
The Ministry noted that the move would have deep and far-reaching consequences especially on trade, travel, tourism and security cooperation between the two sides.
“Further and equally disturbing this unilateral decision does not reflect prevailing logic and scientific knowledge of the disease or the spread of the pandemic. Rather the decision seems to be motivated by discriminatory policy against certain countries and peoples,” stated the Ministry.
“Kenya has been consistent in maintaining a positive stance towards the United Kingdom despite the challenges and disruptions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Kenya has also remained in constant contact with the Government of the United Kingdom throughout this pandemic in order to maximize the opportunity for cooperation.”
What appears to have irked the Kenyan government, even more, is the fact that the country has remained a responsible actor, nationally, regionally, and globally throughout the pandemic period.
Further, the Ministry reiterated that the country’s performance in managing, combating and containing the spread of Covid-19 has been singled out and lauded by many partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) as being exemplary and worthy of recognition and support.
As a result of the activities of the UK, Kenya instituted new protocols targeting Britain including having all passengers originating from or transiting through UK airports undergo mandatory 14-day isolation at a government-designated facility at their own cost upon entry into Kenya.
While in isolation, those affected will be subject to take two PCR Covid-19 tests, on day 2 and day 8 of their quarantine, at their own cost.
