Strife In Country Causes Dropoff In Bookings

Kenya Airways announced Tuesday it has suspended its three weekly flights to Paris.

In a statement explaining the decision, the airline said, "There (has) been a sharp decline on bookings on the route as French citizens reacted to their government's decision to issue a blanket travel advisory against travel to Kenya."

Chief Executive Titus Naikuni said he was optimistic flights would resume soon. "We will monitor the situation on a monthly basis and are hopeful that we will resume Paris flights for the summer high season once the French Government's travel advisory has been removed."

Civil unrest and violence following a disputed presidential election in December has moved from a political and humanitarian crisis to an economic one, according to Reuters. Until the riots started, Kenya's tourism income was booming.

Travel bans issued by western countries also mean travelers are not covered by their insurance plans if they fly to -- or through Kenya. Reuters reports Nairobi is a major regional hub for other African destinations.

FMI: www.kenya-airways.com