Stranded passengers have poured out their frustrations as a result of the ongoing pilots’ strike that has seen KQ flights suspend operations.
Kenya Airways has boycotted work leaving the planes grounded, and leading to a massive cancellation of flights.
Some of the passengers who could not travel due to the stalemate on Saturday decried the extra costs they have to incur, claiming the airline has told them to look for accommodation as the issues are addressed.
“I checked out of my hotel there is no accommodation, we have been told to go when it is time we will call, go out there for how long, I don’t have data, I don’t have a local sim so how are they going to reach me anyway?” one passenger lamented.
He said the lounges at the airport had been closed, leaving the passengers standing for hours.
"They are now demanding that the sales department books alternative flights for those who had booked to travel as they had other engagements to do," he said.
“We paid our money, you want something from the government, I am not part of that business, demand your monies, pack your planes, go back home and sleep but your sales department must work with another airline and book flight for us,” another passenger said.
“There is an assumption that we are all flying to the same airport or to the same country and that is where we are losing it,
"Exactly how they are angry at the authorities we are also angry at them because they need to think about the customer and we want our fight that’s all we are demanding,” he added.
There was massive cancellation of Kenya Airways flights scheduled for Saturday morning after pilots commenced their strike.
The pilot's lobby, Kenya Pilots Association (Kalpa) says they are not resuming duties until KQ's management reinstates the suspended provident fund.
On Friday, the airline indicated the industrial action by pilots could see it lose at least $2.5 million close to (Sh300 million) every day.
Kenya Airways had earlier said they were ready to engage with Kenya Airlines Pilot Association (KALPA) following the strike notice.
