The clock is ticking on Kenyans in the diaspora who are yet to arrive back in the country, most of them fleeing lock downs overseas. In its latest schedule update, KQ announced the suspension of all international flights with effect from 25th March.
While all incoming and outgoing international passenger flights have been cancelled, the airline said it will continue operating cargo flights, including delivery of emergency supplies.
Additionally, domestic flights to Mombasa and Kisumu remain operational.
Suspension of international flights by KQ comes against the backdrop of a warning by the International Air Travel Association(IATA) that the Global aviation industry could soak losses of upto $ 252 billion due to disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Kenya disclosed that it is working alongside the government to cushion sectors worst hit by the global pandemic.
” We are concerned about possible job losses in the flower and horticulture industry due to limited freight space as a result of cancellations of international flights. We have also seen significant cancellation of hotel bookings from March through May,” said Dr.Patrick Njoroge in a media briefing yesterday.
He disclosed that the CBK was keen to limit the damage of COVID-19 as the country braces for its full impact.
Cancellations of international flights comes at a time when Kenya is entering its peak flower business season. Netherlands, a key flower market for Kenya, has stopped buying the flowers due to disruptions caused by Covid-19.
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