29 Mar 2020

Air Botswana has suspended scheduled services on its domestic and regional route network from March 27 to May 31, 2020.

A statement by the national airline states that the operation rescheduling is in support of the national call to restrict non-essential travel as part of efforts to slow-down and arrest the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The suspension period is however, subject to regular review given the rapid changes that continue to be experienced by the industry on a daily basis.

“In the face of increasing threats to public health due to COVID-19, the safety and well-being of our customers, employees, their families and the larger community represents an enormous responsibility, and this has contributed to making the right decision of suspending operations. Travel restrictions and lockdowns in several important markets also had an impact on our business, and it is important we protect the business as well. However, public health considerations are paramount, and we stand in solidarity with the world in the fight against this pandemic,” reads the statement.

It further says that the last Air Botswana flight will operate to Francistown, Maun and Kasane to offer passengers an opportunity to get back to their intended destinations before all operations are suspended.

Air Botswana public relations and communications manager, Ms Kefilwe Kebafetotse stated in an interview that in response to the latest developments in the COVID-19 outbreak, the airline would continue to take extra steps that went above and beyond industry and regulatory requirements to ensure its customers’ health and comfort, and provide them with confidence and peace of mind.

She said Air Botswana would maintain a core team to support customer inquiries and provide assistance with re-booking and the processing of refund applications.

Ms Kebafetotse indicated that charter services could be arranged on request to facilitate essential travel, hence the airline intended to continually evaluate developments and reinstate optimised services.

She said customers, industry partners and the public at large, would be regularly updated on future travel-related developments. ENDS