South African Airways (SAA) on Friday announced a suspension of all its international flights until 31 May 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The national carrier attributed the move to a decline in the demand for air travel around the world, due to travel restrictions imposed by various government to curb the spread of COVID-19.

"The COVID-19 pandemic and attendant travel restrictions, resulted in substantial decline in demand for air travel. The situation caused many airlines across the world to ground aircraft, release their employees, and to cancel flights. In the case of SAA, this decision means that SAA will only render services on its regional and domestic routes," SAA said in a statement.

The cancelation of flights by SAA comes on the back of an update that South Africa's COVID-19 cases had surpassed 200. The country is the worst hit in Africa.

In response to the COVID-19 numbers, the South African government on Wednesday announced several new measures to curb the spread of the disease.

The measures include legally enforcing testing, treatment and quarantine or isolation of suspected cases. The spread of false information about COVID-19 is also now punishable by up to six months in prison.

The aviation industry in Africa is one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 outbreak.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), African airlines had lost US$4.4 billion in revenue as at 11 March 2020.

The association also notes that international bookings in the continent are down roughly 20% in March and April, while domestic bookings have fallen by about 15% in March and 25% in April.

"We also recognise the fluidity in the conditions we operate in and the need to respond to these changes with speed, to this end we commit to keep all our stakeholders abreast of any changes on an ongoing basis," said SAA Acting CEO, Zuks Ramasia.

SAA will however continue rendering services on its regional and domestic routes.

Source(s): South African Airways