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Airlink to Resume Flights to Mozambique Following Diplomatic Intervention
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JOHANNESBURG - South African airline Airlink is set to resume flights to Nampula, Mozambique, on Thursday morning after flights were abruptly canceled earlier this week.
The suspension came amidst legal and diplomatic challenges, but following negotiations between South African and Mozambican officials, Airlink was granted clearance to operate in Mozambique without the risk of its aircraft being seized.
The airline also announced the decision on its Facebook page, stating:
"Customer Update | 08 January 2025 - Airlink will resume scheduled flights to and from Nampula in Mozambique from tomorrow, Thursday 09 January 2025. The decision to resume operations to Nampula follows guidance and reassurances from South African and Mozambican official authorities."
The dispute stems from a court order in Mozambique authorizing the seizure of at least three of Airlink's aircraft. This legal battle dates back to an incident in December when two Mozambican nationals were removed from an Airlink flight in Johannesburg for allegedly exhibiting unruly and threatening behavior.
The individuals later pursued legal action in a Mozambican court, obtaining an order to seize Airlink's planes. However, court officials have so far been unable to enforce the ruling.
Airlink turned to South Africa's Department of International Relations, Department of Transport, and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) for assistance.
"While the possibility of a seizure attempt remains as long as the Nampula provincial court order is in effect, we have received assurances from local authorities that they will not act on it," said Rodger Foster, Airlink's CEO.
Foster further criticized the court order, describing it as baseless and legally flawed.
With diplomatic support in place, Airlink is now prepared to resume operations, ensuring its services to Mozambique continue without disruption.
The suspension came amidst legal and diplomatic challenges, but following negotiations between South African and Mozambican officials, Airlink was granted clearance to operate in Mozambique without the risk of its aircraft being seized.
The airline also announced the decision on its Facebook page, stating:
"Customer Update | 08 January 2025 - Airlink will resume scheduled flights to and from Nampula in Mozambique from tomorrow, Thursday 09 January 2025. The decision to resume operations to Nampula follows guidance and reassurances from South African and Mozambican official authorities."
The dispute stems from a court order in Mozambique authorizing the seizure of at least three of Airlink's aircraft. This legal battle dates back to an incident in December when two Mozambican nationals were removed from an Airlink flight in Johannesburg for allegedly exhibiting unruly and threatening behavior.
The individuals later pursued legal action in a Mozambican court, obtaining an order to seize Airlink's planes. However, court officials have so far been unable to enforce the ruling.
Airlink turned to South Africa's Department of International Relations, Department of Transport, and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) for assistance.
"While the possibility of a seizure attempt remains as long as the Nampula provincial court order is in effect, we have received assurances from local authorities that they will not act on it," said Rodger Foster, Airlink's CEO.
Foster further criticized the court order, describing it as baseless and legally flawed.
With diplomatic support in place, Airlink is now prepared to resume operations, ensuring its services to Mozambique continue without disruption.
Source - Byo24News
