Kenya Airways suspends passenger flights between Nairobi and UK

Kenya Airways has suspended passenger flights between Kenya and the United Kingdom (UK) effective April 9, 2021 until further notice.

The date coincides with that set by the UK banning all travellers from Kenya entering their territory to prevent further spread of Covid-19 virus.

In a statement issued on Monday, KQ explained that the suspension is due to the directive issued by Kenya, suspending all flights from the UK, effective midnight April 9, 2021.

The national carrier said due to the increased demand for travel to the UK before the advisory takes effect on April 9, it has added two new flights on April 7 and 8, to cater for the increasing number of travellers.

"We sincerely apologise to our customers for the inconvenience but those impacted by this directive may change their bookings for later travel or request a refund with all penalties waved. All tickets must be utilised before March 31, 2022," it said.

The Kenya national carrier's management has asked all guests to check their flights or manage their bookings via KQ website. They can also contact their travel Agent or the Kenya Airways Contact Centre.

The announcement comes three days after the UK banned people travelling from Kenya from entering England starting April 9 to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. 

Kenya is among four countries that have been added to the UK's red list amid concerns about new Covid-19 variants.

Also travellers, who have departed from or transited through Kenya, the Philippines, Pakistan and Bangladesh in the previous 10 days will be refused entry into England.

Only British and Irish citizens or residents will be allowed to enter the country from these nations from 4am on Friday April 9.

The British High Commission in Kenya in a letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the directive is a temporary measure that will be kept under review.

"The travel restrictions will only remain in place whilst the level of risk is assessed to justify these measures," the commission said.