Proflight Zambia Launches First-Ever Jet Service to Kasama, Boosting Northern Circuit Tourism
In a landmark development for Zambia’s domestic aviation landscape, Proflight Zambia is poised to introduce scheduled jet flights on the Lusaka–Kasama route using a 50-seat Bombardier CRJ-200. This bold move, set for late September 2025, marks the first time an aircraft of this size will regularly serve Kasama Airport (KAA) in the heart of Zambia’s Northern Province, opening up new horizons for regional connectivity, tourism, and business travel.
The new service will initially see CRJ-200 jets operating on Tuesdays, with plans to expand to Thursday flights from November 2025. Sunday services will continue to utilize the smaller Jetstream 41 aircraft, ensuring flexibility and frequency for travelers. The introduction of the CRJ-200 brings a substantial jump in passenger capacity, reduced travel times, and enhanced comfort—a significant upgrade for one of Zambia’s most promising and picturesque routes.
Renowned for its speed and reliability, the Bombardier CRJ-200 can cruise at 860 km/h, slashing the journey between Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka and Kasama Airport to just 1 hour 30 minutes. This efficiency reflects Proflight Zambia’s commitment to not only improving passenger experience but also driving regional development by making Zambia’s Northern Circuit more accessible than ever before.
Kasama’s elevation as a regional air hub comes at a crucial time for Northern Zambia, a region celebrated for its natural wonders and rich cultural heritage. As the gateway to Kalambo Falls—one of Africa’s tallest waterfalls—and the revered Chishimba Falls, Kasama offers adventure seekers and cultural enthusiasts easy access to some of the continent’s most awe-inspiring sites. Travelers can also immerse themselves in local traditions, visit hot springs, explore vibrant villages, and even connect onward to the legendary Lake Tanganyika.
This jet service upgrade is expected to have a ripple effect across the tourism value chain in the Northern Province, stimulating demand for hotels, lodges, tour operators, and community-based tourism initiatives. Enhanced air access is poised to attract a new wave of domestic and international visitors, placing the region firmly on the map for both leisure and business travel. For Africa’s travel sector, the move underscores the value of modern air connectivity in unlocking remote, high-potential destinations.
Proflight Zambia is also expanding its network in the Luapula Province by increasing service on the Lusaka–Mansa route. Starting late September 2025, a new Tuesday flight will be added, followed by a Thursday service in November. This upgrade brings the route to near-daily frequency—excluding Sundays—catering to both business and leisure travelers and providing critical links for communities in the rapidly developing Luapula region.
These strategic enhancements reflect Proflight Zambia’s ongoing mission to bridge Zambia’s vast geography and support regional economic growth. By connecting more remote destinations with the capital and other economic centers, the airline is not only facilitating easier travel but also encouraging investment, job creation, and the growth of local enterprises.
For African travel professionals, Proflight Zambia’s investment in jet services and expanded frequencies offers fresh opportunities for tour packaging, group travel, and adventure tourism. The accessibility of northern gems like Kalambo Falls and Chishimba Falls, coupled with improved flight schedules to Mansa, positions Zambia as a more versatile destination for both domestic and inbound tourists seeking authentic experiences off the beaten track.
As the travel industry in Africa continues to evolve, the example set by Proflight Zambia illustrates how targeted investments in aviation infrastructure and services can transform regional tourism dynamics. The deployment of modern jets like the CRJ-200 on routes previously served by smaller aircraft signifies a step-change in market confidence and operational capability, paving the way for more ambitious growth in the years ahead.
Ultimately, the expansion of air services to Kasama and Mansa is more than just a transportation milestone—it is a catalyst for broader socio-economic transformation. By making Zambia’s northern and luapula provinces more accessible, Proflight Zambia is not just connecting cities, but unlocking the full potential of some of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes and vibrant communities.
