Update: Zambia lifts suspension on Kenya Airways flights after diplomatic dispute resolution

Zambia has lifted its suspension of Kenya Airways flights following a breakthrough in diplomatic talks between the two nations.

The dispute centered on Zambia Airways’ access to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, which prompted the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA) to impose the suspension.

The suspension, set to take effect on October 8, 2024, was a retaliatory measure after the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) declined to grant Zambia Airways authorization to operate flights into JKIA using a wet-leased Boeing 737-700 aircraft. Despite having a Foreign Operators Permit, Zambia Airways had not received final authorization for Nairobi flights.

According to Captain Derrick Luembe, Director General of the ZCAA, the Zambian government made several appeals to Kenyan authorities, including seeking intervention from Kenya’s Minister of Transport. However, these efforts were met with silence.

Fortunately, renewed discussions between the KCAA and ZCAA led to a swift resolution. KCAA Director General Emile Arao confirmed the resolution, stating, “There is no suspension, and you will see a statement from the Zambians. The matter has been resolved.”

The resolution allows Kenya Airways to resume its eight direct flights between Nairobi and Lusaka every week, which had been grounded in Zambia for nearly a week. Zambia Airways will also receive the necessary landing rights to operate at JKIA, resolving the core issue of the standoff.

Arao expressed relief, saying, “We are glad this matter has been resolved and flights between the two countries can now continue as scheduled. This is a positive outcome for both Zambia and Kenya.”