This archive report was first published on 20 May 2020.
On May 20th, 2020, the Kenyan government extended the cessation of movement order in and out of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, and Mandera counties for an additional 21 days. In response, Jambojet, a low-cost carrier and subsidiary of Kenya Airways, has suspended its flights until June 7th.
According to a Jambojet statement, the airline will allow its customers to reschedule their flights at no cost after the new development. The statement reads, "We would like to encourage all passengers scheduled to travel in the period up to June 7th, 2020, to consider rescheduling their travel to a later date at no extra cost."
Earlier this year, Jambojet suspended its flights to Rwanda and Entebbe as international travelers' numbers dipped. The airline's decision to extend its suspension comes as airlines globally are suffering dips in revenues due to government-imposed restrictive measures. This has resulted in massive layoffs, pay-cuts, and unpaid leave among employees.
Kenya Airways, Jambojet's parent company, had lost $8 million in revenue by March and requested a state bailout to survive the COVID-19 impact.
