This archive report was first published on 20 November 2019.
Security Threat: KQ's Handling of Stowaway Incident Falls Short of Aviation Standards ¶
On November 19, a stowaway fell from a Kenya Airways flight in London, sparking concerns about the airline's handling of security breaches. The incident has raised questions about the safety and security measures in place at JKIA, potentially threatening the airport's Category 1 status.
According to Dan Okwiri, a retired aviation veteran, the handling of the incident is below par and defensive. Okwiri, who spent 25 years at the airport and environs, believes that there was a security breach at JKIA and that the authorities are not taking the incident seriously.
Okwiri points out that the incident reflects poorly on the security measures in place at JKIA, and that the airline and airport authorities should have investigated and issued a statement to the public. He also suggests that the incident highlights the need for constant training and retraining of staff to ensure that they are aware of and comply with international aviation industry standards.
Okwiri also raises concerns about the succession planning at Kenya Airways, suggesting that the loss of veteran staff has led to a decline in the company's values and culture. He believes that the airline needs to retrain its staff on security awareness and thoroughly vet outside third-party service providers and their employees who handle aircraft.
The incident has significant national security ramifications for JKIA, particularly if the country wants to protect its Category 1 status and maintain direct flights with the US. Okwiri notes that the incident is covered under the Kenyan law, Protection of Aircraft Act-Chapter 68 of 2012, which places a duty on airlines and airport authorities to ensure the safety and security of aircraft and passengers.
