Covid-19: Emirates suspends flights to Zimbabwe, Zambia as Fastjet continues to service route networks

Harare (New Ziana) -The world’s largest international airline, Emirates will, starting this Friday, suspend for 90 days daily flights from Lusaka and Harare to Dubai due to the global coronavirus outbreak.

Emirates daily flights from Lusaka and Harare to Dubai connect to 159 destinations in 85 countries/territories.

“As such flights Harare-Lusaka-Dubai (EK714) and Dubai-Lusaka-Harare (EK713) will be cancelled effective 20th March 2020 up to 20 May 2020. Our last flights to and from Harare will be EK713/14 19th March 2020,” the airline said.

Since 2012, Emirates has been inspiring travel and facilitating trade between Zambia and Zimbabwe and the world. Exports carried out of Lusaka and Harare include fresh flowers, fruit, vegetables and copper mining industry by-products.

Exports from Harare to Dubai went up significantly, with more than 2 000 tons of cargo having been moved between the two cities in the past year through the Emirates Airlines’ Sky Cargo.

Meanwhile, low cost airline Fastjet Zimbabwe said it remains committed to keeping customers informed on the impact of coronavirus on travel plans.

“The conditions set out in the travel ban announced by the government of South Africa does not affect our route network. We are however mindful that this ban may restrict some customers travel plans and it’s for this reason that we are repeating our commitment towards easing any customer concerns or assisting those who may not be able to travel as planned,” it said.

The airline said it will continue to monitor the Covid-19 situation very carefully.

“This includes the latest guidance from public health authorities in all the destinations it fly to with reassurance to all its customers that we are following all official advice on health precautions. The safety and well being of our customers and our staff continue to be our top priority, and we thank our loyal customers for their continued support and for their noteworthy display of confidence choosing Fastjet.”

New Ziana