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Kenya Airways (KQ) incurred losses of at least Sh80 million during recent demonstrations against the government’s agreement with Adani Company concerning the takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
CEO Allan Kilavuka disclosed on Monday that the strike caused significant flight disruptions, leading to substantial financial losses for the airline. He explained that KQ had to compensate affected passengers and manage rebookings due to the delays caused by the protests.
“Strikes are detrimental to us. When we consider the costs of time, rebooking, and compensation, we estimate a loss of at least Sh80 million from that one-day disruption,” he stated.
On September 11, 2024, thousands of travelers were stranded as aviation workers at three major airports staged a walkout against the government’s plan to lease the airport to the Indian company Adani.
The Kenya Aviation Workers’ Union (KAWU) protests impacted operations at JKIA, Moi International Airport in Mombasa, and Eldoret International Airport, disrupting both domestic and international flights. Workers raised concerns about potential job losses if Adani took over JKIA operations.
In response, the government clarified that its agreement with Adani pertains only to the aeronautical and commercial development of JKIA.
During a session with the Senate Roads, Housing, and Transportation Committee, Transport and Roads Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir assured that the Adani Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP), which is still pending finalization, would not affect other airports and airstrips across the country, focusing solely on this major national asset.
