The airline notably reintroduced direct flights to Mogadishu from February 14, 2024, following the temporary suspension in August 2020 to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus.
National airline, Kenya Airways (KQ) will suspend all passenger flights to Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu from Monday, October 14, 2024.
KQ CEO, Allan Kilavuka, in a letter to Transport Principal Secretary (PS) Mohamed Daghar which has since been verified by Viral Tea, attributed the decision to pull out all the passenger flights owing to operational challenges.
“Due to operational challenges, Kenya Airways Board and Management has made the decision to suspend passenger flights to Mogadishu effective 14th October 2024,” the letter read in part.
“Kenya Airways takes this opportunity to thank your office, Kenya Embassy in Mogadishu, and all government officials who continue to support the airline as it seeks to expand its network, provide connectivity and reliable air travel services in the region and beyond.”
Kilavuka, on behalf of the airline, requested understanding from PS Daghar 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. We look forward to your understanding and consideration,” he added.
By the time of publishing this story, the PS had yet to respond to the contents of the letter dated October 9, 2024.
The airline notably reintroduced direct flights to Mogadishu from February 14, 2024, following the temporary suspension in August 2020 to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus.
This development is likely to inflict a huge blow to passengers who had been relying on the airline for trips to and from Somalia from KQ’s main hub at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
More to follow…