Kenya Airways Forced To Cancel Flights Over Pilots Strike
Kenya Airways flights that were scheduled to depart on Saturday morning have been massively canceled following the pilots’ strike.
Lydia Kadima 
Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA), claims that unless KQ management restores the suspended provident fund, the pilots would not resume their responsibilities.
Following the strike notification, Kenya Airways had previously stated that they were prepared to communicate with the KALPA.
According to a statement from Murithi Nyagah, the KALPA's secretary general dated November 4, no Kenya Airways planes operated by KALPA members will depart Jomo Kenyatta International Airport beginning on Saturday.
Nyagah claimed that the management failed to make a serious effort to resolve the issue, even after issuing a strike report as a last resort to demand better working conditions.
He claimed that on October 19 the association gave Kenya Airways management a 14-day notice of industrial action.
Allan Kilavuka, general manager of KQ, claims that the illegal strike will have a significant negative impact on the company's financial situation.
The airline warned on Friday that the pilots' strike might cost it at least $2.5 million, or roughly (Sh300 million), every day.
"At a minimum, the unlawful industrial action will cost KQ approximately Sh300 million a day, translating to Sh2.1 billion in one week," he said.
Kilavuka noted that KALPA's action will undo the company's attempts to strengthen its financial situation after the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said that the strike is unjust, unnecessary, and out of place.
"This unfortunate action may affect both our passengers, who may not travel, and our cargo customers, whose exports will be affected. It will greatly inconvenience travelers for business, medical, leisure, and those connecting with their loved ones. This could also lead to huge losses to farmers whose perishable goods are due for export.
