Airlink Grounds Nampula Flights Amid Legal Tussle Over Aircraft

On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, South African airline Airlink announced the suspension of all flights to and from Nampula, Mozambique, due to a legal dispute involving the potential seizure of the company's aircraft in the country. This decision follows a lawsuit filed by two Mozambican citizens who claim they were harmed following an incident on an Airlink flight last December, according to the Engineering News portal.

According to an Airlink statement, a Mozambican court issued an interim order on December 28 to seize three of the airline's aircraft pending the outcome of the legal proceedings, with a hearing scheduled for mid-January.

The company contends that this measure poses a significant risk to its operations, leading to the temporary suspension of flights to Nampula until the situation is resolved through appropriate legal and diplomatic channels. Airlink's CEO, Rodger Foster, expressed regret over the impact on Nampula's air connectivity and the passengers relying on the service, but emphasized that the airline cannot operate under the threat of aircraft seizure. "Given the threat and potential for the actual seizure of Airlink aircraft, we have suspended all operations to and from Nampula while the matter is dealt with through legal and diplomatic channels. We realise this has harmful consequences for trade, tourism and both business and leisure travel between the affected markets, but no airline can be expected to continue providing a service under such conditions,” said Airlink CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster.

“Similarly, as the safety and well-being of its passengers, crew and aircraft come before any other operational consideration, Airlink has a strict zero-tolerance policy with regards to unruly behaviour onboard its aircraft. Any interference, threats or belligerence towards our crew, or disruption to the crew’s primary task of providing passenger safety, puts the lives of all onboard at risk,” added Mr Foster.

Foster highlighted that the suspension would have negative consequences for trade, tourism, and business travel between Nampula and the destinations served by the airline.

The passengers with tickets for the canceled flights can choose either a full refund or to be rerouted via other Airlink routes in Mozambique, namely Maputo, Beira, and Vilanculos.

The judicial dispute originated from a flight on December 7, where two Mozambican passengers were forcibly disembarked in Johannesburg due to alleged unruly and threatening behavior. Airlink maintains that this action was taken in accordance with South African civil aviation safety regulations, and the relevant authorities were duly informed about the incident. However, the affected passengers claim they were wronged and have pursued legal action in Mozambique.

Airlink has appointed lawyers to challenge the court's decision, arguing that Mozambican courts do not have jurisdiction over the case since the incident occurred in South Africa under its laws. The airline also questions the legal validity of the aircraft seizure order, describing it as judicially dubious.

While legal proceedings continue, the airline maintains its stance of not resuming flights to Nampula until the safety of its operations in Mozambique can be assured.