The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) suspended Jetways Airline Limited on November 23 over alleged safety violations, but the carrier resumed cargo operations by December 3 without clear explanations from regulators. KCAA Director General Gilbert Kibe declined to confirm whether the airline had fully complied with suspension terms, citing confidentiality.
Investigations revealed systemic issues including inadequate staff training, unqualified personnel handling critical flight operations, and unauthorized aircraft use. A Fokker 100 (FY-SIA) operated by Jetways was found flying to Somalia under a different airline's registration, violating fleet authorization rules. The aircraft, previously linked to Skyward Express, is managed by owner Isaack Somo.
KCAA’s suspension notice cited seven regulatory breaches, some of which could jeopardize operating licenses. The authority granted Jetways 28 days to appeal a seven-day suspension, creating procedural ambiguity. Despite the probe, the airline’s flights tracked via flight data show continued operations, raising questions about enforcement consistency.
JKIA’s cargo sector faces intense competition, with six bonded warehouses controlling access. Jetways, alongside Kenya Airways and DHL, operates from the Kenya Airfreight Handling Ltd (KAHL) facility. Regulatory requirements for airside cargo operations include rigorous security assessments for EU cargo clearance, highlighting the sector’s complexity.
