There’s bad news if you were hoping for a quick getaway to Maputo. Mozambique’s national carrier LAM – Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique – has pulled the plug on its route from Cape Town to Maputo as of today (April 8). But, don’t take it personally Cape Town… the move is part of the airline’s major shake-up to stay in the black.
The route, which was flown by two CRJ900s leased from CemAir, wasn’t profitable enough money, say reports. With this route cancelled, LAM will have just two regional connections out of Maputo: to Johannesburg, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The airline will, it says, instead shift focus to its domestic network, covering 12 destinations.
“This strategic decision is part of the national flag carrier’s business restructuring plan… whose main objective is to optimize the profitability of the company’s operations and management efficiency,” LAM said in a statement.
The restructuring plan follows a string of other cancellations earlier this year, including routes to Harare and Lusaka, as well as its only long-haul flight to Lisbon, Portugal. That flagship route reportedly lost the airline over $21-million since it was relaunched in December 2023 after a 13-year hiatus.
And if you’re already booked to fly? LAM has promised travellers who booked flights beyond April 8 will be offered alternative travel options or refunds.
Maybe Bots instead? Airlink is taking off for Gaborone!