South African airline Airlink announced on Tuesday (7) the suspension of all flights to and from Nampula, due to a legal dispute involving the possible seizure of the company’s aircraft in the country. The decision follows a lawsuit filed by two Mozambican citizens who claim to have suffered damages as a result of an incident on a company flight last December, according to Engineering News.
According to a statement from Airlink, a Mozambican court issued a provisional order on 28 December for the seizure of three of the airline’s aircraft, while the legal proceedings take place, the hearing for which is scheduled for the middle of this month.
The company claims that the measure represents a significant risk to its operations and has therefore decided to temporarily suspend flights to Nampula until the situation is resolved through the appropriate legal and diplomatic channels.
Airlink’s CEO, Rodger Foster, regretted the impact of the decision on the city’s air connectivity and the passengers who depend on the service, but emphasised that the company cannot operate under the threat of aircraft seizure.
He emphasised that the suspension will have negative consequences for trade, tourism and business travel between the Mozambican city and the destinations operated by the carrier.
‘The company claims that the measure represents a significant risk to its operations and has therefore decided to temporarily suspend flights to Nampula, until the situation is resolved through the appropriate legal and diplomatic channels’
Passengers with tickets for the cancelled flights will be able to opt for a full refund or re-routing via other Airlink routes in Mozambique, namely Maputo, Beira and Vilanculos.
The legal dispute stemmed from a flight on 7 December, on which two Mozambican passengers were forcibly disembarked in Johannesburg due to alleged unruly and threatening behaviour.
According to the carrier, the measure was taken in accordance with South Africa’s civil aviation security standards, and the relevant authorities were duly informed about the incident. However, the passengers affected claim to have been harmed and have taken legal action in Mozambique.
Airlink has appointed lawyers to challenge the court decision, arguing that the Mozambican courts have no jurisdiction over the case, since the incident took place in South Africa and under the laws of that country. The company also questions the validity of the order to seize the aircraft, labelling it legally dubious.
While the legal proceedings take place, the carrier maintains its position that it will not resume flights to Nampula until the safety of its operations in Mozambique is guaranteed.
