Kenya Airways Defends Employee After Sanitary Pad Assault at Nairobi Airport

Kenya Airways (KQ)  has issued a statement defending an employee following a heated exchange with a Nigerian  passenger at Nairobi Airport. The incident involved a traveler denied boarding due to insufficient travel documentation, escalating into an alleged assault with used sanitary pads. Travel agents  should advise passengers to double-check visa requirements to prevent similar situations.

Kenya Airways  clarified that the passenger, traveling from Lagos  to Manchester  via Nairobi, was denied boarding because she lacked a Schengen visa. This visa is required for entry into any European Union  country, and the passenger was scheduled to connect through Paris. It's vital for travel agents  to inform clients of visa regulations, particularly when traveling through multiple destinations.

The airline explained that the passenger arrived in Nairobi  for her connecting flight but was informed of the visa requirement. Kenya Airways  offered an alternative route through London, which would have allowed her to continue to Manchester, but the passenger declined. This option highlights the airline's efforts to assist passengers, even in challenging circumstances.

Kenya Airways  emphasized that the widely circulated video clip did not capture the full context of the situation. After being denied boarding, the passenger requested accommodation, which the airline couldn't provide as it's not standard practice when boarding is denied due to insufficient documentation. Travel agents  should make clients aware that verifying all travel documents is the passenger’s responsibility.

The situation then escalated when the passenger allegedly threw three used sanitary pads at Kenya Airways  employees. The airline strongly condemned this behavior, stating that such actions are unacceptable and not tolerated. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by airline staff  and the importance of mutual respect in interactions.

Kenya Airways  reiterated its commitment to delivering exceptional service but emphasized the need for all interactions to be based on mutual respect. The airline asserted that its employees deserve to work in a safe and dignified environment, free from abuse. The incident has been reported to the relevant security agencies, and an investigation is underway.