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Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) has announced the suspension of its freighter flights to Harare, Zimbabwe, as part of a broader network realignment. The move, which will take effect in April, has left exporters in the region scrambling to find alternative routes.
According to AFKLMP in a statement,”The decision to suspend flights to Harare is not solely due to issues in Zimbabwe, but rather part of a larger response to evolving economic, operational, and market conditions in the eastern Africa region”.
The carrier cited limited demand for southbound flights into South Africa, as well as increased demand for perishable exports to the Middle East, as key factors contributing to the suspension of flights to Harare.
Despite the challenges, AFKLMP emphasized its commitment to serving Africa through optimized freighter routes via Johannesburg and Nairobi, supported by ample belly capacity on Air France and KLM passenger flights.
The suspension of flights to Harare is part of a larger adjustment to AFKLMP’s network, which includes the removal of Harare from a loop that previously included Schiphol, Johannesburg, Harare, Nairobi, and back to Schiphol.
While AFKLMP’s decision may cause short-term disruptions for exporters in Zimbabwe, the carrier’s continued commitment to serving Africa through alternative routes may help mitigate the impact. However, the move highlights the ongoing challenges facing air cargo operators in the region, including fluctuating demand and capacity constraints.
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