At a Glance
- Proflight launches jet flights to Kasama in September 2025.
- New routes to Kasama and Mansa boost Zambia’s tourism.
- Expanded services improve access to Northern and Luapula provinces.
Proflight Zambia is getting ready to start regular jet flights between Lusaka and Kasama.
This is a big step forward for the country’s domestic aviation industry.
The airline will start using a 50-seat Bombardier CRJ-200 on the route in late September 2025.
This would be the first time that an aircraft of this size will regularly serve Kasama Airport (KAA) in Northern Province.
The change makes it easier for people to get around Zambia and gives travelers a quicker and more comfortable method to get to one of the country’s most beautiful areas.
Officials expect the new service to strengthen both tourism and business travel.
New Schedule and passenger benefits
At launch, the CRJ-200 jets will operate on Tuesdays, with Thursday flights added in November.
Sunday services will continue using the smaller Jetstream 41 aircraft, maintaining flexibility for passengers.
With a cruising speed of 860 km/h, the CRJ-200 will cut the journey from Lusaka’s Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) to Kasama to about one hour and 30 minutes.
The extra speed and capacity are meant to make the trip better for passengers and make the area easier to get to.
Kasama as a tourism gateway
Northern Zambia is becoming known as a tourist destination, thus the timing is important.
Kasama is the best place to get to Kalambo Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in Africa, and Chishimba Falls, which is a sacred place for the people who live there.
The area is also noted for its hot springs, cultural legacy, and being close to Lake Tanganyika, which is one of the biggest freshwater lakes in the world.
Industry watchers say the improved air access is likely to benefit hotels, lodges, tour operators, and community tourism initiatives in the province.
Increased visitor arrivals could create new opportunities for both local businesses and international investors.
Expansion to Luapula province
Proflight is also improving its Lusaka–Mansa route in Luapula Province, in addition to the Kasama service.
The airline will add a Tuesday daily starting in late September, and then a Thursday flight in November.
The new timetable means that flights will run almost every day except Sunday, giving business and leisure passengers greater choices.
The Luapula region is increasingly seen as an emerging economic zone, and improved transport links are expected to support growth in agriculture, trade, and tourism.
Strengthening Zambia’s Air Network
Proflight’s expansion highlights the role of aviation in connecting Zambia’s vast geography.
By investing in larger aircraft and more frequent schedules, the airline is not only making travel easier but also encouraging investment, job creation, and the growth of regional enterprises.
For African travel professionals, the upgrades open the door to new tour packages and adventure itineraries.
Improved access to destinations such as Kalambo Falls and Mansa strengthens Zambia’s positioning as a versatile destination for both domestic and international visitors.
Catalyst for Growth
Proflight’s move to introduce jet services on routes previously dominated by smaller aircraft underscores growing confidence in the market.
Aviation experts view it as a step toward broader regional development, showing how targeted investment in air travel can transform tourism and business opportunities.
The new services to Kasama and Mansa are more than an aviation milestone—they represent a gateway to Zambia’s northern and Luapula provinces, unlocking their landscapes, culture, and economic potential for a wider audience.
