Somali Aviation Authority gives KQ 48 hours to explain alleged discrimination at JKIA

The Somali Civil Aviation Authority has sent a letter to Kenya Airways, seeking an explanation for claims that Somali nationals faced discrimination at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Signed by Ahmed Moallin Hassan, the Authority’s Director, the letter highlights concerns about Somali passengers who were reportedly stranded at the airport for three days.

According to the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, the group of Somali passengers did not receive the same level of assistance and accommodation as other international travellers during their time at the airport.

Elderly individuals and children in the affected group reportedly faced significant hardship due to the airline's lack of support.

Hassan further demanded a formal response from Kenya Airways within 48 hours and requested that the airline detail the steps it would take to address the grievances of the affected Somali passengers. Additionally, the letter asked for information on how the airline plans to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

"We ask for a formal response within 48 hours, detailing the steps that will be taken to address the grievances of the affected passengers and prevent future occurrences," Ahmed stated in the letter.

The Somali Civil Aviation Authority emphasised that such incidents go against international standards for passenger airlines and violate the cooperative agreements between Kenya Airways and the Somali aviation sector. The letter called on Kenya Airways to address these concerns and take corrective measures.

The letter warned that if Kenya Airways fails to provide a satisfactory response, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority will consider taking further action against the airline. This could potentially involve escalating the matter through appropriate channels.

"Please be advised that should we not receive a satisfactory response or see appropriate action taken within the specified timeframe, we may need to consider further steps, including potential escalation of the matter," Ahmed added.

This isn’t the first time Somali nationals have encountered issues with Kenya Airways, according to the letter.

Previous reports of similar incidents were highlighted by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority, raising concerns about a possible pattern of unequal treatment towards Somali passengers by the airline.

"We wish to highlight that this incident follows previous reports of similar issues involving Kenya Airways and Somali passengers, raising concerns about potential patterns of unequal treatment," the letter stated.

The Somali Civil Aviation Authority concluded the letter by expressing hope that Kenya Airways would address the issue with the urgency and seriousness it deserves and that a swift resolution would be reached.

Kenya Airways has not yet publicly responded to the letter or the allegations made by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority. The situation remains under close watch, with the Somali aviation sector awaiting the airline's response within the stipulated timeframe.