Planes at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.[Photo/jumiatravel]
Miraa traders are counting losses after the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) grounded three planes at JKIA.
The planes were scheduled to ferry Miraa to Somalia.
The Wilson Airport-based airlines, allegedly flouted regulations by operating as cargo planes yet they are licensed to carry passengers.
More than 30 tonnes of miraa, which is perishable, delivered at the airport on Wednesday evening was yet to be cleared for export by Thursday.
The people daily reports that the airlines operators accused KCAA officers of colluding with their rivals to frustrate them.
“We have now incurred a loss of not less than Sh50 million. It is very unfair for Kenya Civil Aviation Authority to make such unjustified drastic move without notification. We have cargo and passenger licenses issued by the same authority.
This is a great contradiction. We are aware it is because of business interests,” said an operator who sought anonymity said.