The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has issued a statement after a fuel shortage was reported at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
KAA confirmed that the fuel supply disruption impacted airport operations, but the issue has been resolved and normal operations have resumed
“KAA wishes to inform the public that there was an A1 fuel supply disruption this morning that affected operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The issue has been rectified, and normal airport operations have now resumed,” KAA said.
KAA apologized for the inconveniences caused by the disruption and directed passengers to check their airlines for information about their flights.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused to our passengers and airline partners. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for any updates regarding their flights. Thank you for your continued support,” read another part of the statement.
Kenya Airways has explained that the disruption in fuel supply resulted from a prolonged maintenance exercise at the facility. KQ stated that the shortage affected the morning departures but clarified that the issue has been resolved and flights have now departed.
“Due to maintenance of the fuel hydrants that extended beyond the planned duration at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, we experienced delays in our morning flight departures. The situation has normalized, and most of our morning flights have departed,” KQ said.
The airline apologized to customers for the inconvenience and assured them that it is working to minimize the disruption. KQ remains committed to providing excellent service, adding that affected customers can get in touch via +254 711 024 747, WhatsApp: +254 705 474 747, email: customer.relations@kenya-airways.com, or Twitter @KQSupport for further assistance.
“Our dedicated teams are working tirelessly to recover our departure and arrival schedule by midday today, and we appreciate your understanding and patience during this time,” KQ said.
Onyonka Raise Fuel Shortage Alarm
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka raised alarm that the airport had experienced a significant fuel disruption more than thirty minutes before KAA’s official statement.
In a statement on X, Onyonka noted that there was a global alert indicating a fuel shortage at JKIA.
The Senator questioned why JKIA was experiencing such an incident when the government in engaged in a government-to-government (G to G) oil agreement.
“There is a global alert that there is no fuel at JKIA. Is this a result of us not being able to pay our fuel debts, and yet we are in a G-to-G arrangement that is to stabilize the macroeconomic environment by providing an extended credit period for petroleum imports,” he said.
JKIA has been in the headlines for various reasons, including blackouts, leaking roofs, and the ongoing debate over the takeover plans by Adani Group Holdings of India.
Onyonka has been vocal about the agreement between the government and Adani to control JKIA which is a strategic national asset.
Also Read: JKIA-Adani Whistleblower Spills More Beans
Adani-JKIA Deal
During a session with Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Senators urged the government to halt the proposed handover of JKIA to the Indian company.
Chirchir maintained that there is no concession deal between the government and Adani Group. He clarified that the KAA has not yet signed any agreement with the firm regarding the airport takeover.
The CS disclosed that the Adani Group has expressed interest in upgrading the airport through a privately initiated proposal, permitted under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act of 2021.
Also Read: Aaron Cheruiyot Clears Air on His Involvement in JKIA-Adani Deal
“No legally binding agreement has been finalized; it is just a draft document. The discussions have only led to the development of a non-binding Head of Terms, which has not been signed. The Head of Terms outlines the key terms of the commercial transaction that have been mutually agreed upon in principle,” the CS stated.
CS Chirchir added that ongoing discussions with Adani will provide insights that will shape the final concession agreement to be signed by both parties.
He emphasized that the agreement must receive approval from several entities, including the KAA board, the PPP committee, the National Treasury, and a legal review by the Attorney General.
Additionally, a joint memorandum between the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the Attorney General, and the Treasury is required before it can be presented to the Cabinet for final approval.
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