Miraa traders lost about Sh500 million in the seven days that cargo flights to Mogadishu were suspended.
Nyambene Miraa Traders Association (Nyamita) spokesman Kimathi Munjuri told Nation.co.ke that only two cargo flights left for Mogadishu Wednesday after the suspension was lifted on Tuesday.
He said the announcement on the restoration of Mogadishu flights came late on Tuesday and traders had to divert two planes that were set for other destinations.
“Only five planes have been operating since the Somalia government cancelled cargo flights last week. For the first three days, there were no significant flights as traders were reorganising themselves.
“The cargo has been going to Galcaio, Las Anod, Bassaso and Baladweyne airports. This means about 15 cargo planes have not been operating as is the norm,” Mr Munjuri said.
Each aircraft carries at least 90 bags of miraa with a bag fetching between Sh70,000 and Sh100,000.