This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
Kenya Airways has been facing a backlash over frequent flight delays and cancellations that have inconvenienced customers and cost taxpayers money.
According to a confidential document leaked to the media, the airline cancelled over 50 flights in August 2019 and delayed more than 40% of its flights in 2019.
The document, which was first reported by Daily Nation on August 26, 2019, revealed that the airline had a total of 182 cancelled flights in 2019 due to crew members and pilots failing to report to work.
The airline's financial position has been deteriorating, with a KSh 7.55 billion net loss recorded in the year ending December 2018. The frequent flight cancellations and delays, as well as a shortage of staff, were cited as the main contributing factors.
Accommodation costs for passengers affected by flight cancellations and delays have been above budget by 250%, according to the document.
Kenya Airways' top management is under pressure to explain the airline's deteriorating on-time performance (OTP) to stakeholders.
Customers have taken to social media to express their frustration over the inconveniencing delays and cancellations, with ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna among those who have spoken out.
