South African Airways (SAA) and the Ethiopian Airlines have all suspended intercontinental flights over the coronavirus.
On Friday both airlines announced their decision as the spread of the virus continues to increase with many cases reported to be imported.
The South African Airways for example said the suspension of all international flights will be in place until the end of May.
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday announced bans on travel to countries considered “high-risk” for the coronavirus.
The Ethiopian Airlines also said in a tweet that “We would like to inform our esteemed customers that we have stopped flight to 30 countries due to COVID19 virus.”
We would like to inform our esteemed customers that we have stopped flight to 30 countries due to COVID19 virus. #EthiopianAirlines pic.twitter.com/0jckrsTzD0
— Ethiopian Airlines (@flyethiopian) March 20, 2020
African Airlines have reportedly lost $400m due to suspension and cancellation of flights to and from China since the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Most airlines suspended and even canceled flights to and from China in February when the outbreak became serious.
Airlines like South African Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Air Tanzania, Air Mauritius, EgyptAir, RwandAir and Kenya Airways announced the suspension of flights last month.
The Vice-President of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Raphael Kuuchi has told the BBC that the impact of the virus could get worse for African airlines.
Last year the airlines posted losses of $100m and this year’s figure could be higher due to the current outbreak.
Source: Africafeeds.com
