Air Botswana has cut three flight routes in an effort to negate ongoing financial losses for the airline, including flights to destinations such as Cape Town and Durban. It has been reported that the routes incurred a loss of P44.5 million (about £2.3 million) for the airline over the course of a nine-month period, triggering their cancellation.
Restructuring a struggling airline
The three cancelled routes are confirmed to include Gaborone Sir Seretse Khama International Airport to Durban King Shaka International Airport, Gaborone to Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport, and Maun Airport to Cape Town International Airport. These routes were introduced during the airline’s regional expansion in the latter half of 2024, which aimed to boost profits and strengthen regional connectivity. Their scrapping indicates that the expansion did not deliver the success that the airline hoped for.
This decision comes as part of a new turnaround strategy for Air Botswana, which is being overseen by a brand-new board headed by chairman Dane Kondić. Kondić is the former CEO of Air Serbia, and was appointed by Botswana’s transport minister, Noah S.L.M. Salakae. While delivering the 2026-2027 Recurrent and Development Budget at the National Assembly, Salakae said that his:
“Most urgent task is to ensure that the airline operates efficiently to improve service delivery and restore customer confidence.”
Planned interventions for the airline include intensifying charter operations and aircraft leasing, introducing travel packages, expanding the maintenance and repair facilities, and undertaking a feasibility study for cargo operations.
What comes next for Air Botswana?
Air Botswana is a small, state-owned airline with a limited fleet size, meaning that losses like these deal a heavy blow.
There is some debate about what broader strategy should be adopted to help the airline to stay afloat. Salakae is keen to take a more cautious approach, stating:
“We’re thinking along the lines of reinstating small flights for areas like Ghanzi. We are considering purchasing perhaps a six-seater or seven-seater since we’re not a resourceful economy.”
Meanwhile, other lawmakers have urged for a more radical strategy that would see the airline acquire long-haul aircraft to expand travel routes and support more tourism and trade. At present, the future of the airline seems to be uncertain.
Want to keep up-to-date on recent events in aviation? Follow Travel Radar for the latest breaking news and updates from across the world.
