Air Namibia suspends Frankfurt flights

AIR Namibia has announced the suspension of flights on its Windhoek-Frankfurt route for 30 days as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak in Windhoek.

In a statement issued over the weekend, the national airline said it was complying with president Hage Geingob’s directive to temporarily ban flights to and from Germany, and a host of other countries.

Acting chief executive officer Elia Erastus said the airline activated its crisis management centre on Saturday morning to coordinate all developments, recommend best practices and implement mitigation actions relating to the prevention of the spread of the Covid-19.

“We take the safety of our passengers and nation at heart, hence, the immediate alignment of the directive by the head of state. Air Namibia will continue to comply with all safety measures put in place at all our departure and arrival airports,” he said.

Passengers on affected flights will be fully refunded.

Namibia announced two cases of coronavirus from two Romanian nationals, hence the precautionary measures.

A statement issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that the coronavirus disruption could cost African airlines N$646 million in revenue this year.

This is said to be a potentially devastating hit to the often struggling airlines counting on lucrative Chinese and European routes to fund expansion projects.

Airlines around the world have suspended or modified flights after the outbreak of the coronavirus, which began in mainland China late last year and has now spread to more than 60 countries around the world.

According to IATA, the global hit to the aviation industry is projected to be N$468 billion this year – a 4,7% industry-wide drop in revenue per passenger kilometre.

While there are many countries banning flights, the World Health Organisation has advised countries against banning flights.

Email: charmaine@namibian.com.na