Kenya Airways (KQ) has assured its customers that flights to and from Zambia will continue as scheduled, despite recent regulatory tensions between the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority (ZCAA).

ZCAA had previously announced a suspension of all Kenya Airways flights, effective October 8, 2024, citing unresolved authorization issues between the two countries.

In a statement issued on October 5, 2024, KQ sought to calm concerns, confirming that discussions between the two aviation regulators have led to an agreement ensuring flights remain unaffected.

“Dear valued customers, we are aware of a letter by the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. Following discussions between the two regulators, We would like to assure our customers that our flights into and out of Zambia will continue to operate per schedule,” Kenya Airways said in a notice.

KQ extended an apology for any inconvenience this situation may have caused, underscoring its commitment to customer satisfaction.

For those needing further assistance, the airline has encouraged customers to reach out to its Customer Excellence team through various channels, including phone and WhatsApp.

KQ operates two daily flights from Nairobi to Lusaka, a direct morning flight and an afternoon flight that has a stopover in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Genesis of tensions

ZCAA suspended all Kenya Airways flights effective October 8, 2024, citing the denial of authorization for Zambia Airways to operate flights into Nairobi using a wet-leased aircraft.

In a letter addressed to KCAA dated October 2, 2024, ZCAA first highlighted that Zambia Airways had been granted a Foreign Operators Permit by Kenya.

ZCAA noted that efforts to resolve the issue had so far been unsuccessful.

“The Zambian CAA made an appeal to KCAA to reconsider their position and grant Zambia Airways (2014) Limited the required authorization to fly into Nairobi using the wet-leased B737-700 aircraft,” the Zambian authority said in a statement.

However, ZCAA added that KCAA had maintained its position of not granting the authorization.

The letter further highlighted multiple appeals by Zambia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics to Kenyan authorities, including a follow-up letter sent to Kenya’s Ministry of Transport on July 26, 2024, seeking intervention.

The Zambian aviation authority claimed it had received no response from the Kenyan side.

ZCAA Director General Captain Derrick Luembe also said he had reached out to KCAA on October 1, 2024, through email and WhatsApp, but had not received any response.

“Considering the lack of response and reciprocity on the matter of Zambia Airways (2014) Limited flights into Nairobi-Kenya, I regret to inform you that all Kenya Airways flights into Zambia are hereby suspended with effect from time 21:59 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) on 8th October 2024,” Captain Luembe said in the letter.

He concluded the letter with assurances of his highest consideration but insisted that Zambia had no choice but to enforce the suspension unless the issue was resolved.

As Kenya Airways continues its regular operations, it remains to be seen how the diplomatic and regulatory standoff will unfold. In the meantime, KQ customers are encouraged to stay in touch with the airline’s customer service for updates.