adminKLM Dutch Airlines has announced plans to stop operating its route from Amsterdam to Zimbabwe and Zambia with effect from October 26 this year.In a statement released by the airline yesterday the airline intends to stop operating the Amsterdam to Lusaka, the Zambian capital and Harare routes in Zimbabwe.
Mary Kamero, the airline’s representative in Zambia said in the brief statement that recent optimization in the airline’s network portfolio in East Africa have forced it to discontinue direct services from Amsterdam to Lusaka and Harare.
The Dutch airline started operating the Lusaka route in 2012 with three weekly flights. Later, the operation was restructured to serve Harare in neighboring Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile Zambian government officials have expressed concern over the airline’s decision and have summoned officials for a meeting.
Charles Sipanje, Ministry of Transport, Works, Supply and Communications Permanent Secretary told state media that the airline has been summoned to explain the reasons for pulling out of Zambia and that a comprehensive statement will be released after the meeting.
Analysts said the airline’s decision will have devastating effects on the country’s tourism industry since the country will now have no direct flights to Europe.
This is the second European airline to pull out of Zambia after British Airways halted operations last year, claiming that it was not making any profits. —Business Reporter/Xinhua
derick.khumalo