The Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced the suspension of all Kenya Airways flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to Lusaka, effective October 8, 2024.

In a letter dated October 2, the CAA stated that the KQ flights will no longer be permitted to enter Zambia. This decision follows a breakdown in relations between the aviation authorities of the two countries.

The Zambian CAA claims that its efforts to obtain landing rights at JKIA have been met with a lukewarm response, prompting this drastic measure.

“Authorization to operate flights into Nairobi using the wet-leased B737-700 aircraft was not granted. The Zambian CAA appealed to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to reconsider this position and allow Zambian Airways to operate flights into Nairobi. However, KCAA has maintained its refusal,” the letter noted.

The CAA further expressed regret, stating, “I regret to inform you that all KQ flights into Zambia are hereby suspended effective October 8.”

Attempts to reach the Kenya Principal Secretary for Transport for comments on the ongoing stalemate were unsuccessful. This situation is expected to significantly impact air travel between the two nations.