Travel agencies in Bor town of South Sudan's Jonglei State say their businesses have been hit hard by the country's economic meltdown and floods.
Four commercial flights operate between Juba and Bor: Charity Air Aviation, Panda Air Services, New Life, and the Smile Tour. In August, a one-way ticket cost 20,000 SSP, but due to inflation, a one-way ticket is now 40,000 SSP.
The companies' heads say the increase in prices occasioned by inflation and floods make it difficult for customers to access their services.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday, the Managing Director of the Charity Air Aviation, John Thuc, said they have been losing hundreds of thousands of pounds since the floods in July.
“Operations are affected. We work from home nowadays. From Juba to Bor, planes come empty or with less than three passengers. We only get passengers on return but sometimes they miss out on flights because there are no means for transport to the airport,” Thuc explained.
He added, “Nowadays, per a flight, we lose between 6,00 to 7,00 dollars because no people are coming to Bor due to the flights. Yes, we increased the ticket fare to 40,000 SSP, not because of floods, but because of the exchange rate. We do not have our aircraft. We hire from the companies and pay them in dollars.”
The Managing Director of Panda Air Services, Manyok Daniel, said some businesses may be forced to close shop due to the effects of floods and inflation. But he says, they will continue with operations despite the situation.
“We are incurring losses. But we will not give up. We will continue providing services to our people,” he stressed.
One passenger John Bior, who recently traveled to Bor, said the fare hike has forced residents to resort to river transportation.
Floods have hit Jonglei State since February. Reports indicate that over 80 percent of the state capital, Bor has been submerged in floodwaters, with residents displaced to the higher grounds within the town or the neighboring regions.