Kenya Airways Suspends Flights to Mogadishu

[Deeq A.]

Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ), one of the leading airlines operating on the Mogadishu route, has suspended flights to Mogadishu, Somalia.

In a letter to Mohamed Daghar, Principal Secretary State Department of Transport, Ministry of Roads and Transport, the airline’s CEO, Allan Kilavuka, said that the suspension was a result of operational challenges.

The suspension, Kilavuka said, will take effect on October 14.

“Due to operational challenges, Kenya Airways Board and Management has made the decision to suspend passenger flights to Mogadishu effective October 14, 2024,” the letter reads in part.

Kilavuka applauded Kenya’s Transport Ministry, the Embassy in Mogadishu, and government officials for the support to the KQ.

Kenya Airways takes this opportunity to thank your office, the Kenya Embassy in Mogadishu, and all government officials who continue to support the airline as it seeks to expand its network, provide connectivity, and provide reliable air travel services in the region and beyond,” Kilavuka said.

He, however, called on the Kenyan government to understand the consequences that may arise.
Kenya Airways requests your understanding of this unforeseen development that may reverse the positive trend and gains made so far. This decision was made after careful analysis and consideration in the best interest of the airline in the prevailing business environment.”

KQ’s sus
pension of flights to Mogadishu comes at a time when tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia are escalating. The two countries are currently in dispute over an agreement with Somaliland regarding access to the sea, which has further strained relations.

The move by Kenya Airways may also be a result of market conditions, as it faces tough competition from a number of low-cost and more flexible Somali airline companies that operate on the same route.

Source ChimpReports

Qaran News