Kangala Air Express has halted scheduled operations due to operational difficulties, with ATR72-500 aircraft grounded. The airline, which launched flights between Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso in February 2024, is now focusing on business aviation charters, having acquired a GIV-SP aircraft. Its future hinges on stabilizing operations in light of its recent challenges.

Kangala Air Express (KAE), based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, has reportedly suspended its scheduled operations, with its ATR72-500 aircraft now grounded as a result of operational issues. Sources from NewsAero indicate that the airline’s booking engine for scheduled flights is currently non-functional on its website, reflecting a challenging period for the carrier. The last recorded flight for one of its ATR72-500s, XT-AMI, was on March 13, 2024, while XT-FAT remains untraceable, as per the ch-aviation research.

Initially, Kangala Air launched thrice-weekly flights between Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso on February 8, 2024, alternating between its flights and ACMI operations for Air Burkina. The airline intended to extend its reach within the Sahel region, initiating service to Mali on April 30 with flights from Bobo Dioulasso to Bamako, followed by the addition of Bamako to Kayes services on May 14 in partnership with local agency Afrikayes. Furthermore, on December 13, it expanded its operations to include twice-weekly flights along the Bamako-Gao-Niamey route in Niger.

Amid these operational transitions, Kangala Air Express is redirecting its focus towards business aviation charters. Recent reports reveal that the airline received a GIV-SP aircraft, XT-ABD, which it took delivery of on February 14, 2025. The 30.8-year-old aircraft was tracked last landing in Jos, Nigeria, on March 11. Additionally, Kangala Air operates another GIV aircraft, XT-KMA.

Kangala Air Express is navigating through operational hurdles, marked by the suspension of its scheduled flights and a shift towards business aviation. While the airline initially expanded its regional routes in the Sahel, current strategies reflect a pivot to charters, indicated by recent acquisitions in its fleet. The future of KAE will depend on its ability to stabilize operations and effectively serve the growing demand for business aviation in the area.

Original Source: www.ch-aviation.com

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