Kenya Airways (KQ) has advised passengers to arrive several hours before their scheduled departure following planned protests at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport dubbed ‘Occupy JKIA’.
In a statement on July 22, KQ asked passengers to arrive four hours before their departure time due to anticipated traffic disruptions caused by planned protests.
“Due to anticipated traffic disruptions on major roads leading to JKIA on Tuesday 23rd July 2024, customers are advised to arrive at the airport at least four (4) hours before their scheduled flight departure time. Customers are also encouraged to plan extra time to avoid potential delays enroute to the airport,” the statement read.
Additionally, the national carrier provided customers with check-in options and instructions on how to do so on their website and mobile app respectively.
“Traveling customers can physically check in at the airport as early as 4 hours before flight departure; online via www.kenya-airways.com or on their mobile devices via the KQ Mobile app from 30 hours to 90 minutes before flight departure,” KQ said.
Some of the major roads and highways that serve JKIA are likely to experience traffic disruption.
These routes include Nairobi – Mombasa Highway, Mombasa Road, Nairobi Expressway, Thika Superhighway, Outer Ring Road, Jogoo Road and Uhuru Highway among others.
Also Read: Kenya Airports Authority Issues Directive Ahead of #OccupyJKIA Protests
Kenya Airways Issues an Apology following Occupy JKIA
The airline issued an apology due to the inconveniences caused while maintaining its commitment to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew.
“We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause and assure you that the safety and well-being of our crew and customers is our number one priority,” KQ stated.
At the same time, KQ assured its customers that it was working on ensuring that flights depart and arrive on schedule.
Likewise, the national carrier cautioned of potential delays in departure due to the expected traffic disruptions.
“While we are doing everything possible to ensure our flights depart and arrive on schedule, customers are advised to expect some delays in their departure and arrival times that could be impacted by these traffic disruptions,” the statement read.
Also Read: Kenya Airways Gives Update on Global IT Outage
KAA statement
Kenya Airways statement came hours after the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) advised travelers to arrive early at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to avoid any delays in catching their flights.
KAA reported that security checks and protocols at the airport had been enhanced while urging passengers to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight information.
“Due to heightened security checks & protocols at JKIA, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport early to avoid any potential delays in catching their flights. Kindly contact your respective airline for the latest flight information. Safe travels!” read the notice from KAA.
Similarly, passengers were to comply with the new guidelines to ensure their travel plans proceed smoothly.
This advisory was in response to planned Occupy JKIA protests by Gen Zs set for Tuesday, July 23.
The protests which began in June and organized by Kenyan youth, aims to draw attention to various issues affecting the youth and hold the government accountable.
Ahead of Occupy JKIA protests, President William Ruto has however warned that he has had enough of the protests and that he was ready to defend the country.
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