China Southern Airlines has reduced its connecting flights between Guangzhou, Changsha and Nairobi following public outcry over fear of possible coronavirus infection.
Though the Chinese Embassy in Kenya did not link the latest development to possible disease outbreak, a statement on Friday, February 28, attributed suspension to low volume of passengers.
“Due to the decreasing volume of passenger flow, China Southern Airlines has made necessary adjustments by suspending flights connecting Guangzhou, Changsha and Nairobi until further notice,” the embassy said.
Earlier on the week, Kenyans voiced their concerns after 239 passengers from China landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport aboard airlines’s plane on Wednesday, February 26.
A statement sent to newsrooms from Chinese Embassy a day later confirmed the airliner had readjusted and reduced its Nairobi flights to once a week until March 25, however, the position has since changed.
The High Court in Nairobi directed immediate suspension of the flights from China on Friday, February 28, pending determination of a petition by the Law Society of Kenya.
“An order suspending all flights from China to Kenya pending hearing and determination of the case is thereby issued,” Justice James Makau ruled.
The society wants all non-essential flights from China suspended until the fast-spreading coronavirus outbreak is fully contained.
“Pending the hearing and determination of the application, a conservatory order be issued suspending the respondent’s decision to allow the China Southern Co. Airlines Ltd resumption of non-essential flights from China to Kenya,” the lawyers stated.
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