British Airways Suspends flights to Kenya

CNN ^ | 5-14-2003

[Lorianne]

LONDON, England (CNN) -- British Airways has suspended all flights to and from Kenya 'until further notice' following a warning it received from the UK government about an increased terrorist threat, it said.

"The move follows instructions from the British government's Department for Transport that all UK registered airlines which fly to Kenya are to suspend flights... due to heightened security concerns," BA said in a statement Thursday.

[Lorianne]

This is the way to fight terrorism. It is about the start of the biggest tourist season for Kenya and Tanzania. Convincing tourist not to go on planned expensive safari vacations, a significant source of income in these African nations, will hopefully cause the governments there to get off their duffs and combat terrorism, round up terrorists and boot them out or jail them.

Economic war is the surest means of success in this fight. Boycott travel to terrorist harboring nations.

[Cyman]

I was not aware that Kenya had been accused of harboring terrorists. This news flabbergasts me, since I have just been a host to a contingent of Rotarians from Kenya. They all spoke of the extreme safety of travel in their country. I found them all to be affable,intelligent, sincere, and extremely courteous. There biggest surprise was the amount of national pride they have encountered on their visit. The news media in that part of the world has painted us to be overwhelmimgly at odds with the war and especially President Bush. To a man ( and woman) they emphasized their desire to correct these misrepresentations upon their arrival back in Kenya. I am seriously considering travel there next year and would appreciate any first hand knowledge from fellow Freepers might be able to offer.

[Lorianne]

Did you hear about the attack in Mombasa last year? The Embassy bombings in Keny and Tanzania? Kenya is right next door to both Somalia and Sudan, Al Queda stomping grounds. The coast areas of both Kenya and Tanzania are largely Muslim with the usual contingent of radical ones.

[TaMoDee]

Make sure you update your Will. Also check your life insurance on the "War" and "Terrorism" clauses. Register at the US Embassy (or what's left of it) and leave a copy of your travel plans. Get the current info from the State Department before you go. Buy a bullet proof vest. Leave $10,000+ with a relative so what's left of you can be returned to the US (not really necessary but gives closure
to the family). But above have a nice time!