Zambian Airways Suspends All Flights

Privately owned airline, Zambian Airways, has suspended all flights and left passengers stranded at various southern African airports. Local press reports indicate that airline had become bankrupt and management had attempted had attempted to put various measures in place to ensure continuation of operation. However, none of these plans saved the airline from it’s current state.

Passengers were informed over the weekend as they arrived for their flights that Zambian Airways had cancelled their flights, thus leaving hundreds stranded and having to make their own alternative travel arrangements.

Zambian Airways cited the increase in jet fuel over the last 18 months which pushed up the operational costs of the company.

This is a massive blow to Zambia’s industry in general as Zambian Airways were the only airline flying to some airports on it’s network. The leisure sector will be hit very hard as the airline had played a big part in opening up the county to tourism, providing a vital link for local an international travellers to tourist destinations across Zambia.

Can this airline survive it’s current predicament? With debts reported to be in the region of US$ 25-30 million a govt. bail out for a private business seems unlikely. Can it attract new investors? Zambian Airways have probably already tried and, sadly, would appear to have failed.