Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced the suspension of all passenger flights to Mogadishu, Somalia, effective October 14, 2024, citing operational difficulties.
In an official letter dated October 9, addressed to the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Transport, KQ CEO Allan Kilavuka highlighted that this decision was necessary due to challenges that have hindered the airline’s ability to maintain the route.
“Due to ongoing operational issues, the Board and Management of Kenya Airways have decided to suspend passenger flights to Mogadishu as of October 14, 2024,” Kilavuka noted in the correspondence.
Kilavuka further extended his gratitude to the Ministry, the Kenya Embassy in Mogadishu, and all relevant government authorities for their continued support in the airline’s efforts to strengthen its network and deliver reliable air services across the region.
He emphasized that the suspension was a strategic decision made after thorough analysis of the current business environment, aimed at safeguarding the interests of the national carrier.
“We ask for your understanding regarding this unexpected development, which may momentarily undo some of the progress achieved. The decision was made after a careful review of the operational landscape, and is in the best interest of the airline,” Kilavuka explained.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of Kenya Airways’ suspension of direct flights to Zambia, effective October 8. The Zambian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had halted KQ flights after a dispute involving Zambia Airways being denied regular flight permissions to Nairobi by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
Zambia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics had intervened, urging the KCAA to reconsider its decision, but the matter remained unresolved, prompting Zambia’s CAA to suspend KQ flights.
