KQ experiencing delays in processing luggage from Europe

National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) is currently facing considerable delays in retrieving luggage from European stations.

KQ has blamed the luggage hiccups on personnel shortages in Europe owing to a number of ongoing strikes by thousands of aviation staff across major airlines in Europe.

The rising demand for travel following the lifting of COVID-19 containment measures has left airlines struggling to cope with staffing problems.

This has seen thousands of flights cancelled and travellers at luggage collection centres across European airports left stranded.

"Bags are not being processed in time to reach flights before they depart, leading to the unfortunate situation. This has affected most airlines, including the transfer of bags from other airlines to Kenya Airways," said KQ Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Julius Thairu said in a statement.

"We are working with all the affected Airports and doing everything we can to ensure that we load customers' bags onto the next available flights. Once the bags arrive at the destination airport, our team will arrange delivery with a courier service to the addresses provided."

Thairu, while apologising for the inconveniences caused, likewise added that KQ airport support teams will offer missed-baggage reference numbers to customers to allow them to track their luggage once they are loaded onto Nairobi-bound planes.  

"Customers can view updates on the status of their bag(s) by entering the missed baggage reference number online at: http://www.worldtracer.aero/filedsp/pk.htm," said Thairu.  

"Should you require assistance, please speak to our airport teams at your destination."