New flights scheduled for launch this month by Delta Air Lines to Kenya and Liberia have been delayed after the US government told the carrier it needed more time to approve the planned service.
Flights to the Kenyan capital Nairobi were scheduled to start today followed by new service to the Liberian capital Monrovia on 8 June.
Delta in a statement says the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration require more time to approve the planned flights.
The carrier points out it informed the government in October 2008 of its planned service to the two African nations, but was only informed on 1 June by DHS that more time was required to approve the flights.
In the interim Delta is reaccomodating passengers on connecting flights offered by joint venture partners Air France-KLM and other SkyTeam members.
Delta notes it is the only carrier offering direct flights from the US to Africa, adding the continent continues to be an important region as it serves six destinations in five countries.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
