African airlines decry landing limits despite accord

African airlines are facing landing restrictions within the continent despite the implementation of the existing agreement allowing free movement of airlines, airline officials said here on Friday.

Kenya Airways Managing Director Titus Naikuni attributed the restrictions to suspicion among African governments who he said are eager to protect their own airlines.

Speaking during an investor briefing in Nairobi, Naikuni said a number of African countries have implemented the Yamoussoukro accord but airlines in the continent were still facing restrictions and suspicion among the national carriers within member states.

The Yamoussoukro Declaration advocates for an open sky policy between various countries allowing for free movement of national airlines.

Last week, Kenya Airways' Commercial Director Hugh Fraser said the national carrier has been forced to revise its expansion program on three occasions.

Kenya Airways, one of Africa's most successful airlines, has had to postpone planned flights to Brazzaville, Cotonou, Luanda and recently Egypt because it could not be granted frequencies as Kenya as yet does not have air services agreements with the states.

"There are three routes we have sought to open or add frequencies this year and for a variety of reasons, we have not been able to launch the services," Fraser said.

Fraser said it was becoming difficult to win and exploit air traffic rights on the continent on the strength of bilateral air agreements.

Source: Xinhua