Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced plans to resume domestic flights by 8th July and international flights by 14th July 2020.
The national carrier plans to commence local and regional flight which cover Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu, Diani, Kigali, and Entebbe before embarking on long haul international flights to Amsterdam, London, Paris, Dubai, and Mumbai.
However, upon resumption, the airline will reduce the frequency of long-haul flights until 24th October 2020. The revised frequency for long-haul routes is as follows:
- Nairobi – Amsterdam 3 weekly 787-8
- Nairobi – London Heathrow 3 weekly 787-8
- Nairobi – Dubai 5 weekly 787-8 (3 weekly from 1st September 2020)
- Nairobi – Mumbai 5 weekly 737-800 (3 weekly from 7th September 2020)
- Nairobi – Paris CDG 3 weekly 787-8
Update:
In a statement shared to their social media pages on June 25th, Kenya Airways has confirmed that while the above is the planned schedule, resumption of both domestic and international flights is dependant on the easing of travel restrictions by the Kenya government.
For the financial year ended 31st December 2019, Kenya Airways recorded a 12.4% increase in revenue as a result of the expansion of its network, improved passenger, cargo, ancillaries, and other revenue streams.
Other African Countries that Have Resumed Domestic and International Flights
South Sudan reopened its airports in May, signifying a resumption of local and international flights after the country eased its coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
According to the country’s Civil Aviation Authority, passengers and staff will have to follow all measures put in place to ensure their health is in check.
Egypt is set to reopen all its airports and resume international flights as from 1st July 2020 after the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) granted it a safe travel stamp. International flights have been suspended since 19th March 2020, when Egypt took the step to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The resumption of flights seeks to attract foreign tourists to three provinces with the least coronavirus infections; South Sinai, the Red Sea, and Matrouh.
Furthermore, Egypt’s government has waived tourist visas from 1st July until 31st October 2020, with a 20% discount on tickets offered to travelers on Egyptian airlines.
Zanzibar has also removed quarantine restrictions and announced the reopening for tourist activities. The region will now allow charter and scheduled flights to bring in tourists and returning residents.
This article was updated on June 25 2020 at 23:30 pm to include Kenya Airways position statement.
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