HARARE – Emirates is suspending flights to Zimbabwe “due to operational reasons,” the world’s largest airline by international passengers announced.
The United Arab Emirates-based airline said the suspension will be for two weeks between February 13 and February 28.
“Emirates flights to/from Harare, a linked service with Lusaka, will be temporarily be suspended… due to operational reasons. Flights to/from Lusaka will continue to operate as four weekly services,” the airline announced in a statement.
It said customers holding tickets with final destination as Harare will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin.
“Emirates regrets any inconvenience caused. Affected customers are advised to contact their travel agent or Emirates contact centre for rebooking options,” the statement added.
Emirates previously suspended flights to South African destinations Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. That suspension elapses February 12.
Meanwhile, RwandAir on Monday also suspended flights to three southern African countries – Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zambia – with effect from Monday due to fears of importing the 501Y.V2 Covid 19 variant.
Last year, Zimbabwe’s tourism sector lost to close US$1 billion in revenue due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the government, and the withdrawal of international airlines will add to the country’s woes.
