Reduced flights hit hard taxi operators

The fuel crisis and the reduction of flights by Ethiopian and Kenyan airlines are likely to push most taxi drivers operating at Kamuzu International Airport out of business.

Clifton Banda who runs Dem Taxi Services said the reduced flights means reduced revenue for most taxi operators.

“We used to pick a lot of passengers every day, but now one may only pick two or three passengers in a week. In the past, one operator used to pick over 20 passengers in a week. Life is really tough now,” said Banda.

Ethiopian Airline has reduced its flights from seven to six while Kenya Airline has trimmed its flights from 10 to five.

Banda said the fuel shortage has aggravated matters as most operators are buying expensive fuel on the black market.

“We are now charging K7 000 to pick passengers at the airport and drop them in town because of fuel shortage that has forced us to find solace on the black market,” he said.

Maliwasa Banda, another taxi operator, said his weekly income has shrunk from K40 000 to K10 000.

Travel Agent Association of Malawi chairperson Sam Namathanga said most drivers are likely to lose their source of income.

“Some taxi owners are firing their drivers and if things do not change, we are doomed,” he said.

CBR Tours owner Ralph Mhone said they have laid off five travel consultants because business has dropped after the airlines refused to transact business in kwacha.

“Ethiopian and Kenyan airlines have told us not to sell any ticket until government facilitates the repatriation their money stuck in the country,” said Mhone.

The two airlines are no longer receiving payment in kwachas.