The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) has expressed concerns over the suspension of the KLM/MartinAir service to Zimbabwe, highlighting its potential impact on the horticulture sector, which heavily relies on the European market. KLM/MartinAir's decision to halt flights to Zimbabwe stems from operational constraints and strategic priority shifts.
HDC noted, "The suspension of the KLM/MartinAir service to Harare is a matter of concern for Zimbabwe's horticulture industry, a vital sector that contributes substantially to the nation's economy through exports." For 27 years, the airline has been a primary transporter of Zimbabwean produce to Amsterdam, a key gateway to the EU market.
The African continent's airfreight services have been impacted by evolving EU carbon emission regulations and operational constraints, leading to reduced cargo capacity. This has affected Zimbabwe, among other markets. A decline in the production of key export crops in the 2022/23 season, such as peas and flowers, has further diminished Zimbabwe's negotiating power for cargo space.
HDC stated, "This led to KLM/MartinAir's temporary reduction of flights to Harare in February 2024. Although flights were later reinstated, this served as a wake-up call for the industry." Zimbabwean exporters are facing increased production costs due to various taxes and regulatory expenses, impacting their competitiveness globally.
HDC remains optimistic about long-term prospects, suggesting alternative routes through regional airfreight hubs in Ethiopia, Doha, and Dubai. The industry is engaging with the government for policy adjustments to attract investment and strengthen Zimbabwe's global market position.
Challenges in remitting foreign exchange have been noted, with US$196 million in revenues owed to airlines by July 2019. State media reports indicate that 90% of this amount has been paid.
Source: HSTV