Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM) has blamed the Portuguese airline EuroAtlantic for the recent problems with flights between Maputo and Lisbon. In a statement released by Lusa, LAM explained that the cancellation of Saturday's flight from Lisbon to Maputo was due to financial issues left unresolved by EuroAtlantic.
According to LAM, EuroAtlantic did not make the necessary payment to the owner of the aircraft that was to be used for the flight, leading the owner to prohibit use of the aircraft. This setback forced LAM to cancel the flight moments before passengers boarded in Lisbon.
LAM, which recently resumed this route after an interruption of about 12 years, nevertheless managed to operate the flight the following day, Sunday, using an aircraft from another operator. The Mozambican airline also confirmed that the next flight on the Maputo-Lisbon route will operate on Tuesday, at 03:00 local time.
During the waiting period, LAM provided accommodation for the affected passengers and arranged rerouting for those who preferred to travel with other operators. The carrier also refunded passengers who decided not to continue with the flight.
The route between Maputo and Lisbon, which is part of LAM's revitalisation plan, is operated with a 302-seat Boeing 777, through a partnership with EuroAtlantic. This operation costs LAM around two million dollars a month, as stated by its chief executive, João Carlos Pó Jorge.
LAM, which has faced challenges in recent years owing to a reduced fleet and a lack of investment, currently operates to 12 domestic destinations and a number of regional and international destinations, including the route to Lisbon.
