HARARE - Egypt's national carrier, EgyptAir, is reviewing its decision to cancel flights to Zimbabwe following government intervention.
Karikoga Kaseke, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) chief executive, said he held fruitful meetings with the airline’s management in Egypt last week.
“In light of the cooperation and strong relationship between Egypt and Zimbabwe and given the importance of linking African countries, such a role should be maintained,” Kaseke told the Daily News. “In recognition of the efforts by the Zimbabwean and Egyptian government, EgyptAir will reconsider to maintain operation between Cairo and Harare.”
This comes after EgyptAir last month revealed that it is pulling out of Zimbabwe on September 23, citing a harsh operating environment in the southern African nation.
The announcement followed an earlier announcement by Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM), that it would stop operating to Lusaka and Harare effective October 26, 2014.
Zimbabwe’s tourism sector has the potential of earning $5 billion annually by 2020, according to government.
Kaseke said the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (Caaz) has already agreed to grant discounts on landing and navigation charges to EgyptAir in addition to the 50 percent discount already granted to the airline for the 2014/2015 season.
“ZTA will support EgyptAir to reach commercial agreement with Zimbabwean registered carrier through aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance (ACMI) lease for ground period at Harare airport,” Kaseke said.
He said the withdrawal of airlines from Zimbabwe would affect confidence in the destination and government would do its best to attract and retain as many international airlines as possible. A total of 18 international airlines left Zimbabwe at the height of a political and economic crisis that ended with the formation of an inclusive government and dollarisation in 2009.
These include Lufthansa, Qantas, Austrian Airlines, Swiss-air, Air India, Air France and TAP Air Portugal.
African airlines that no longer fly into Harare include Air Mauritius, Royal Swazi Airlines and Air Seychelles. Air Tanzania, Ghana Airways, Air Uganda and Air Cameroon also pulled out of the route.
However, following the stabilisation of the economy in 2009, a total of 12 airlines have since resumed flying into Harare.