A highly anticipated flight route between Bujumbura, Burundi, and Nairobi, Kenya, has been grounded before takeoff. The Burundi government has withdrawn approval for Jambojet, Kenya Airways’ low-cost subsidiary, to operate the route. The reason? The airline’s planes lack a business class section a feature deemed essential for high-ranking Burundian officials.
Jambojet had secured permission in September to commence flights on November 7. The route promised a quick, two-hour direct connection between the two neighboring countries, significantly shortening current travel times, which often involve layovers in Ethiopia. However, hopes were dashed when Burundi’s Minister of Transport, Public Works, Equipment, and Land Use, Jean-Bosco Ntunzwenimana, informed the airline of the cancellation.
In a letter addressed to Jambojet CEO Willem Hondius, Ntunzwenimana explained the decision, stating:
“Our high State officials travel to the world mainly via Nairobi and need to be treated in business class conditions that are acceptable considering their rank.”
Jambojet operates a fleet of Bombardier DHC8-Q400 aircraft, which are efficient for short-haul routes but lack the spacious luxury of business class seating. This, according to the minister, rendered the airline unsuitable for transporting government dignitaries.
A Setback for Connectivity
Hondius expressed disappointment, highlighting the extensive efforts Jambojet made to comply with regulatory approvals:
“Based on the authorisation [granted on September 13], we filed our schedule to get approval for the actual operation, which was to start today [November 7]. To our surprise, we didn’t receive the expected approval due to the aircraft type we operate.”
The abrupt decision forced Jambojet to cancel the inaugural flight, leaving passengers scrambling to adjust their plans. Kenya Airways, Jambojet’s parent company, has also suspended ticket sales for the route indefinitely.
Missed Opportunities
The cancellation has broader implications for both countries. Direct flights between Bujumbura and Nairobi could have bolstered trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. The two-hour journey would have been a game-changer, offering convenience for travelers who currently endure multi-stop itineraries that can take upwards of seven hours.
Burundi, one of the least-connected nations in East Africa, is currently served by only three direct routes: Kigali (Rwanda), Kigoma (Tanzania), and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). Adding a Nairobi connection could have opened new economic and social opportunities for the landlocked nation.
A Divisive Decision
Aviation enthusiasts and industry experts have criticized the move. The aviation blog One Mile at a Time described it as “beyond pathetic,” arguing that “additional air service contributes greatly towards economic growth, and Burundi doesn’t get that many flights. They should be thrilled to be getting additional service.”
The decision underscores the tension between prioritizing status and practicality in the aviation industry. For now, Burundian officials may continue to navigate more cumbersome routes, while passengers hoping for a quicker trip between the two capitals are left grounded.
