EgyptAir, has revealed that it is pulling out of Zimbabwe next month, citing a harsh operating environment in the southern African nation.The announcement comes only a few weeks after Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) also indicated plans to halt flights to Harare.
Last year, EgyptAir resumed flights between Cairo and Harare nine years after it stopped plying the route.
“Tourists tend to lose confidence in us as a tourism destination when they see airlines withdrawing,”said Karikoga Kaseke chief executive officer of government controlled tourism body, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.[eap_ad_2]
Over the past decade international airlines including Qantas, Air France, and Lufthansa have all pulled out of Zimbabwe due to dwindling passenger numbers and an unstable economic environment.
In recent years Zimbabwe’s flag carrier, Air Zimbabwe has also downsized due to frequent strikes and huge debts incurred as the airline tries to maintain an ageing fleet. In January 2012, Air Zimbabwe airline came under judicial management after it ceased operation due to financial constraints.
Following a failed revival attempt, in which its pilots refused to resume domestic services over $35 million in unpaid salaries and allowances, the government announced that Air Zimbabwe would be grounded indefinitely on 24 February 2012. (VENTURES AFRICA)
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