This archive report was first published on 2 July 2021.
Published on July 2, 2021, Kenya Airways has joined other airlines in cutting flights to Entebbe, Uganda, as the country grapples with its third wave of Covid-19.
Emirates Airline suspended passenger flights from Uganda to Dubai in June, following a UAE government directive that stopped Ugandans from traveling to the region. Rwanda Air also suspended flights to and from Entebbe International Airport.
Kenya Airways cited high cases of Covid-19 in Uganda and strict government containment measures as reasons for reducing flights. The airline has cut the number of flights from 12 a week to nine, citing low loads on the route.
Uganda is a key route for Kenya Airways, with the most frequencies within the region. However, low demand is set to impact the carrier's earnings.
"There is a third wave in Uganda and we have had to restrict our flights by cutting on frequencies," said Mr Allan Kilavuka, Chief Executive Officer Kenya Airways.
The airline has also negotiated with its lessors to adopt a productivity-based method of payment, saving $45 million this year. The carrier will only pay for the hours the aircraft are operational.
