Kenya Airways, popularly referred through its trading ticker KQ, has been forced to cancel several direct flights to the United States over poor intake of the tickets.

At least ten flights have been cancelled, just two weeks after the airline launched the direct flight to New York City – becoming the only East African aviation player to have landing rights in the United States.

The official explanation from KQ is that the uptake has been low during the winter season which will stretch all the way to March 2019.

The cancelled flights were for the period between November 5 and December 5, with more cancellations expected until the winter season ends in March next year.

Officials at the national carrier have, however, defended the cancellation saying they were normal in the industry.

“It is common practice to reduce frequencies… These 10 flights were identified at least three weeks before the inaugural flight and travel agents and guests were informed as per our flight cancellation procedures,” an official said as quoted by the Business Daily.

Inaugural Flight

During the inaugural flight last month (October 28), industry players led by Transport CS described the new route as a game changer.

The first flight was flagged off by President Uhuru Kenyatta and had 234 passengers, majority of them media influencer's and government officials.