South African airline Airlink announced the resumption of flights to Nampula on Thursday (9), after a temporary suspension due to the threat of seizure of its aircraft, following a decision by the Nampula Provincial Court. The carrier, which is responsible for around 70 per cent of commercial air traffic between Mozambique and South Africa, decided to return to the route after receiving safety guarantees from the Mozambican and South African authorities, according to Engineering News.
The suspension of flights was due to a lawsuit filed by two Mozambican citizens, who were claiming compensation from the airline. As part of the litigation, the court issued an order that could lead to the seizure of Airlink aircraft if they operated in Mozambican territory. However, according to the company’s CEO, Rodger Foster, the company has received assurances that the local authorities will not enforce the order while the case is ongoing.
‘Although the possibility of seizure still exists as long as the Nampula court order is not revoked, we have been assured that the local authorities will not attempt to enforce it,’ said Foster, reiterating that the company considers the court decision ’flawed and without merit.’
The decision to resume flights was taken after consultations with the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Civil Aviation Institute, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the South African Department of Transport and the South African Civil Aviation Authority.
Rodger Foster took the opportunity to apologise to passengers affected by the suspension of flights and to thank the authorities for their support in resolving the impasse. ‘We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience caused by the suspension of flights and thank them for their understanding,’ he said.
Airlink will continue to monitor the judicial situation in the country to ensure the safety of its operations. In the meantime, the company has ensured that all flights to Nampula will resume as scheduled, reinforcing its commitment to air connectivity between the two countries.
