Kenya Airways To Suspend Flights To Somalia, Months After Return
The airline notably reintroduced direct flights to Mogadishu from February 14, 2024, following the temporary suspension in August 2020 to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus.
Marvin Chege 
National airline, Kenya Airways (KQ) will suspend all passenger flights to Somalia's capital, Mogadishu from Monday, October 14, 2024.
KQ CEO, Allan Kilavuka, in a letter to Transport Principal Secretary (PS) Mohamed Daghar which has since been verified by Viral Tea, attributed the decision to pull out all the passenger flights owing to operational challenges.
"Due to operational challenges, Kenya Airways Board and Management has made the decision to suspend passenger flights to Mogadishu effective 14th October 2024," the letter read in part.
"Kenya Airways takes this opportunity to thank your office, Kenya Embassy in Mogadishu, and all government officials who continue to support the airline as it seeks to expand its network, provide connectivity and reliable air travel services in the region and beyond."
Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka speaking during an Aviation 101 Media Lab on October 4, 2024. /KENYA AIRWAYS
Kilavuka, on behalf of the airline, requested understanding from PS Daghar of "this unforeseen development that may reverse the positive trend and gains made so far."
"This decision was made after careful analysis and consideration in the best interest of the airline in the prevailing business environment. We look forward to your understanding and consideration," he added.
By the time of publishing this story, the PS had yet to respond to the contents of the letter dated October 9, 2024.
The airline notably reintroduced direct flights to Mogadishu from February 14, 2024, following the temporary suspension in August 2020 to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus.
This development is likely to inflict a huge blow to passengers who had been relying on the airline for trips to and from Somalia from KQ's main hub at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
Speaking ahead of the resumption, Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at Kenya Airways said, “We are eager about the potential of re-establishing the link between Mogadishu and Nairobi through KQ. This move aligns with the increasing business and the growing number of air travel between Kenya and Somalia.
"Kenya Airways is committed to providing high-quality service for our customers, as we work together to foster trade and investment for sustained growth."
The resumption of Mogadishu flights was part of Kenya Airways network expansion strategy and commitment aimed at enhancing connectivity across the African continent to contribute to long-term economic progress.
KQ at the time of relaunch had two weekly flights; that was on Wednesday and Saturday, with KQ 362 having a departure time from Nairobi at 2.00 pm and arriving at Mogadishu at 3.45 pm. The same went for the return trip from Mogadishu to Nairobi every Wednesday and Saturday, but KQ 363 was to depart Mogadishu at 4.35 pm and arrive in Nairobi at 6.20 pm.
This schedule provided passengers with punctual and reliable air travel options between the two cities. The move also minimized disruptions caused by connecting flights.
