At the end of November, Johannesburg-based South African Airways ( SAA ) will halt operations in Malawi’s Lilongwe and Blantyre.
On Tuesday, the airline announced the action, referring to it as a “risk management intervention.”
Professor John Lamola, the CEO of SAA, said:” This action should not be interpreted as a reversal of the airline’s commitment to serving the Malawian people and fostering trade ties between South Africa and Malawi.”
Fuel scarcity, inflated food prices, and a lack of foreign exchange are all symptoms of Malawi’s current economic crisis.
SAA” cannot commit to routes that are not financially sustainable,” despite the fact that it values its relationship with the Malawian market.
The Kwacha was devalued to the US Dollar by almost 30 % last week by Malawi’s central bank.
Currently, the currency’s value is less than 1 % of the US Dollar.
According to SAA, it will keep an eye on the situation in the nation and is willing to resume its course if necessary.
Next Thursday, the route will formally cease operations.