A Lusaka-based Economist Kelvin Chisanga says the Turkish Airlines’ decision to permanently remove Lusaka from its future schedule is more than the loss of an airline route.

Mr Chisanga says the withdrawal is a serious warning about Zambia’s economic connectivity and the strength of the demand that the country is creating for global markets and opportunities.

He explained that the removal means losing an important channel for investors, tourists, business travelers and international commercial relationships.

Mr Chisanga told the media that for investors, connectivity affects the cost and convenience of reaching Zambia, visiting projects and meeting partners.

On the tourism front, Mr Chisanga added that it affects how easily visitors can reach our destinations.

“This matters because Zambia recorded 2.19 million international tourist arrivals in 2024, a 58% increase from 2023. That demonstrates significant tourism potential but connectivity must grow alongside demand.

At the same time, Zambia’s macroeconomic picture is improving: GDP grew 7.2% in Q2 2026, while inflation fell to 6.2% in August,” Mr Chisanga indicated.

He said the challenge now is converting macroeconomic stability into investment, tourism, trade, jobs and stronger international demand.

And he charged that Zambia needs a National Air Connectivity Strategy linking aviation directly to investment, tourism and trade.

“We should identify priority routes, review airport and aviation costs, strengthen tourism and conference marketing, develop air-cargo opportunities, attract more business travel and consider targeted, performance-based route incentives,” he recommended.

Mr Chisanga noted the need to build an economy where global airlines see growing demand to serve Lusaka.

The Istanbul-based carrier, Turkish Airline is permanently discontinuing five African routes including Luanda in Angola, Juba in South Sudan, Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo Libreville in Gabon and Lusaka Zambia.

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