Nairobi News

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Tempers as passengers of local airline are grounded for hours at JKIA


Passengers of a local low-cost airline on Sunday stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for seven hours under unclear circumstances.

The passengers had boarded the plane in the morning and were locked inside, with no explanation forthcoming from the airline’s staff.

Tempers flared inside the plane as the flight’s crew members keep repeating reassurances that the plane will take off soon.

Throughout the ordeal, the passengers were not offered water or refreshments.

A passenger who was to travel to Ukunda told Nairobi News that the airline’s staff were arrogant and did not want to talk to anyone.

“They refused to provide us with water, and when we tried to talk to them they dismissed us and just kept telling us that we will leave soon,” said Kenyan musician Alisha Popat, who was on board.

Calls made to the low-cost airline by Nairobi News for comment went unanswered.

To add salt to injury, the Ukunda-bound passengers were instead abandoned at Mombasa’s Moi International Airport with no refund.

No explanation was given for the clear breach of contract. Passengers had to seek other ways of reaching Ukunda.

“I had visitors from abroad and it was their first time in Kenya. They (the airline) have ruined their first experience in Kenya,” Ms Popat added.