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Zambia’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced the suspension of all Kenya Airways flights to Zambia, effective October 8, 2024.
This decision stems from an ongoing dispute regarding flight permits for Zambia Airways (2014) Limited and marks the second ban on Kenya Airways (KQ) this year, following a similar suspension by Tanzania in January due to restrictions on Tanzanian cargo flights.
The conflict arose when Zambia Airways requested approval from Kenya’s Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to operate scheduled flights between Lusaka and Nairobi. Although KCAA granted a Foreign Operators Permit, it did not authorize the airline to use a wet-leased B737-700 aircraft for the Nairobi route.
Zambian officials have expressed frustration over the lack of response to their appeals for reconsideration of this decision.
Attempts to resolve the issue have been ongoing, including a formal letter sent by Zambia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics to Kenya’s Transport Minister on July 26, 2024, which went unanswered.
Zambian officials also met with Kenya’s Acting High Commissioner to Zambia on September 12, 2024, providing all necessary documentation to address the matter, but received no feedback despite assurances from the Kenyan side.
Most recently, on October 1, 2024, CAA officials contacted KCAA via email and WhatsApp to discuss the situation, but again received no response.
Frustrated by the lack of communication, Zambia proceeded with the suspension of Kenya Airways’ operations.
This suspension impacts KQ’s two daily flights to Lusaka: one direct flight in the morning and another with an afternoon stopover in Harare, Zimbabwe.
