last updated 13 February 2026
A flight chartered by the St Helena Government (SHG) arrived in St Helena yesterday afternoon (12 February). This flight is instrumental in SHG's recovery efforts, bringing the necessary spare parts, tools and oil in addition to two specialist engineers to begin immediate work on St Helena Airport's fire tenders.
Repair work will now commence, with teams working additional shifts. However, repairs are complex and may still take a number of days. Once reassembled SHG will be able to test the tenders to ensure they meet the necessary criteria to return us to Category 6 capability.
last updated 10 February 2026
St Helena Government has confirmed continued progress towards restoring commercial air services to the island.
St Helena Airport is currently operating at Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Category 4, allowing medevac flights and small executive jets to land. This ensures the island retains a vital air link for medical evacuations, technical teams and the delivery of specialised spare parts.
However, this category is not sufficient for Airlink’s commercial passenger flights, which remain suspended. Importantly, the airline is cancelling flights on a rolling basis rather than indefinitely, indicating that restoration work is actively underway.
Replacement parts for the airport’s fire-fighting equipment are already en route from Germany and expected to arrive soon. Installation, reassembly and testing will take several days. At the same time, authorities are exploring the procurement of new fire appliances, potentially with UK Government support, to restore the airport to Category 6 status required for normal airline operations.
For travellers, the key takeaway remains: commercial flights have not yet resumed, but technical and operational solutions are in progress and officials are working to return the airport to full service as quickly as possible.
last updated: 09 February 2026
St Helena Airport has received regulatory approval from Airport Safety Support International (ASSI) to operate at Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Category 4.
This allows smaller aircraft operations, including medical evacuation flights and aircraft carrying essential spare parts and technical personnel. The upgrade was achieved with support from the St Helena Government Fire and Rescue Service and additional staff training.
Commercial Airlink flights are still not permitted, as the airport remains below the category required for scheduled passenger jet operations.
This approval is an important interim step toward restoring full air connectivity to St Helena.
Travellers planning to visit St Helena in the coming weeks should be aware of an important aviation update affecting access to the island.
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St Helena Airport unable to operate normal flights
St. Helena Government has announced that St Helena Airport is currently unable to operate as normal following technical assessments. The aviation regulator is expected to confirm that the airport must be downgraded from Fire Category 6, due to insufficient confidence in the operational readiness of the airport’s fire tenders.
Fire category ratings are fixed international safety requirements. Without Category 6 status, the airport cannot safely support standard commercial flight operations.
Airlink flights suspended until at least 20 February
For travellers, the most immediate impact is clear:
- Airlink will not operate flights to St Helena
- All flights are expected to be cancelled until at least 20 February 2026
- Future flights remain under review until a confirmed restart date is possible
St. Helena Government is also working to confirm whether medical evacuation flights will be affected.
What this means for travellers
This temporary suspension affects:
- Travellers with upcoming bookings to St Helena
- Visitors planning to travel to the island
- Residents needing off-island travel
- Businesses and tourism operators expecting visitors
St. Helena Government acknowledges the disruption and is working closely with Airlink, Solomon & Company, and other partners to provide clear guidance and timely updates.
Restoration of flight operations remains the priority
St. Helena Government is urgently assessing all available solutions to restore normal airport operations. Safety remains the top priority, and no aircraft will operate until the airport fully meets required safety standards for passengers, crew and staff.
Travellers planning trips to St Helena should monitor updates closely and remain flexible with travel plans while the situation develops.
Please also read: Airlink and St Helena Government announce 18-Month forward flight schedule! (11 November 2025)
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