Floods force major South African airline to suspend all Hoedspruit flights
Sand River crossing at Skukuza in Kruger National Park. Picture: Facebook
Image: Facebook
Airlink has announced that all flights to and from Hoedspruit in Limpopo have been suspended.
This comes after severe flooding in the region cut off road access to the airport, which serves surrounding communities, game lodges and parts of the Kruger National Park, leaving some travellers stranded and forcing the airline to halt operations until conditions improve.
In a statement released to the media, the airline said the suspension would remain in place until the relevant authorities have declared it safe for Hoedspruit Airport to resume operations.
"Airlink has suspended all flights to and from Hoedspruit in Limpopo due to major floods which have left roads impassible and severed access between the airport, which serves communities in the area as well as the nearby Kruger National Park and surrounding lodges and resorts".
Airlink added that it is working closely with local stakeholders, including SANParks and private lodges, to assist affected passengers and minimise further disruption.
Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht apologised for the inconvenience and was doing everything possible to expedite the resumption of flights once conditions allow.
“We apologise for the inconvenience this is causing our customers. Airlink personnel are working with their counterparts at SANParks and the other service providers to do everything possible to minimise the disruption and expedite the resumption of our flights and operations at Hoedspruit airport,” de Villiers said.
It was previously reported that heavy rainfall in Limpopo and Mpumalanga has seen access to some areas of Kruger National Park (KNP) being restricted due to flooded rivers and roads.
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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