Airlink MD and CEO Rodger Foster
Photo by: Leo Johnson/Flight Global
South African private-sector domestic and regional airline Airlink announced on Friday evening that it had had to suspend its flights to and from Richards Bay. This followed a decision of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regarding safety issues at Richards Bay Airport.
SACAA downgraded the airport’s fire and rescue service. This disqualified the airport from handling operations by commercial airlines.
“The safety and wellbeing of our customers, crews and equipment is paramount for Airlink and we scrupulously follow the SACAA’s safety regulations,” highlighted airline MD and CEO Rodger Foster. “However, Richards Bay is an economically important route and we intend to resume services on the route as soon as the SACAA lifts restrictions on the airport.”
The airline has apologised for the inconvenience caused to its customers. Holders of tickets for the affected flights (between Johannesburg and Richards Bay) can chose between being rebooked on a flight at a later date, or being booked on a flight to another destination, or receiving a refund. They should contact either their travel agent or the Airlink Customer Service office.
Reportedly, the SACAA downgrade of Richards Bay Airport followed a routine inspection by the regulator. The SACAA found that the airport’s fire engine was inoperable and was undergoing repairs. Consequently, the airport was immediately downgraded from Category 5 to Category 2.
It was also reported that Airports Company South Africa, which is the contracted service provider for the airport, has ordered a replacement fire engine be sent to Richards Bay, from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. This should allow the airport to be upgraded again, within a matter of days.