Kenya Airways (KQ) has shed light on the medical requirements for passengers before being allowed to fly.
According to KQ, passengers with recent medical conditions or those who have been hospitalized recently must be cleared by a KQ doctor so as to be allowed to travel.
“As part of our safety protocols, passengers with recent medical conditions or hospitalization are required to obtain medical clearance from an airline-appointed doctor to confirm they are fit to travel,” stated KQ.
Kenya Airways explains the reason behind medical clearance guidelines
The airline stated that the practice is guided by International Aviation Safety Standards, which are meant to safeguard your well-being during the flight and to address any potential health risks.
Also, KQ indicated that the procedure comes at a fee that is meant to cover the evaluation conducted by the appointed medical professional.
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This clarification comes after a passenger with a disability complained that she was charged for medical clearance by a KQ doctor despite having a medical clearance from her doctor.
Irene Kibor called out KQ for their actions terming them unacceptable.
“So today I was profiled by Kenya Airways. Because I was being pushed in a wheelchair they needed medical clearance to fly. I gave them my doctor’s clearance but they needed medical clearance with a KQ doctor who charged me for the clearance to fly. Is this how people with disabilities are treated?” stated Irene.
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International Aviation Safety Standards
KQ however came out to defend its actions saying that it sought clearance because Irene had been discharged recently and they needed to confirm that she was fit to fly.
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It added that the practice is standard procedure and is not aimed at discriminating against passengers with disabilities.
Other health requirements include a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers arriving from countries where yellow fever is endemic and special assistance services for people with reduced mobility or chronic health issues.
The International Aviation Safety Standards are governed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). They entail guidelines on the fitness of passengers, communicable disease prevention, aircraft environment standards, and medical equipment requirements on an aircraft.
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