Kenya Airways has resumed normal operations after a three-day aviation industry disruption that forced the national carrier to cancel 63 flights, delay more than 160 others and lose more than Sh900 million in revenue and related costs.

The airline said its full flight schedule had been restored and backlogs cleared across its network, with most passengers affected by the disruption having reached their destinations.

Kenya Airways also clarified that its employees did not participate in the industrial action, saying its operational teams remained on duty throughout the disruption.

“Our operational teams remained on duty throughout the disruption, working under exceptionally challenging circumstances to support customers and maintain operations as far as possible,” the airline said in a business update.

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), Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the government.

Despite its employees remaining at work, Kenya Airways said its operations were heavily affected because of its position as the largest airline operating at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

During the three-day disruption, 63 KQ flights were cancelled while more than 160 were delayed, with average delays exceeding six hours.

Cargo operations were also hit, with more than 370 tonnes of fresh produce and meat failing to be uplifted.

According to the airline, the disruption resulted in more than USD 7 million in lost revenue and additional expenses arising from passenger accommodation, meals, transport, rebooking and other travel arrangements.

Kenya Airways said passengers bore the greatest impact, with some facing additional expenses and missing personal, business and commercial opportunities as a result of the delays and cancellations.

“While these figures demonstrate the scale of the operational and commercial impact on Kenya Airways, we recognize that the greatest impact was felt by our customers,” the airline said.

The carrier apologized to affected passengers, acknowledging the inconvenience caused despite the disruption being outside its direct control.

“We sincerely apologize to every customer whose journey was affected. While the disruption was outside Kenya Airways’ control, we recognize that our customers were affected, and we deeply regret the inconvenience and frustration caused,” it said.

Kenya Airways said the disruption had highlighted the need for stronger coordination among airlines, airport operators, regulators and other players in the aviation industry to prevent similar incidents from severely affecting passengers and cargo operations.

“With our operations now fully restored, our focus is firmly on the future: serving our customers, reconnecting people and businesses, and moving passengers and cargo safely and reliably across our network,” the airline said.

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