Showing posts with label St Helena. Show all posts
Showing posts with label St Helena. Show all posts

18 February 2026

Durban listed among the Best Places to Travel in 2026

Great news for South African tourism: Durban has earned a spot on Time Out’s prestigious list of The Best Places to Travel in 2026, ranking an impressive 14th worldwide. For travellers planning their next adventure, this recognition puts South Africa’s laid-back coastal city firmly on the global must-visit map.

A new resort puts Durban in the spotlight

A key factor behind the ranking is the upcoming Club Med “Beach and Safari” resort, scheduled to open in July 2026. The new development is expected to combine Indian Ocean beach access with safari and cultural experiences linked to the Zulu Kingdom, strengthening Durban's appeal to international visitors.

Beaches, surf and outdoor access

Time Out notes Durban's warm Indian Ocean waters, popular surf breaks and long stretches of golden beaches. The city also provides easy access to some of KwaZulu-Natal’s most varied landscapes, including hiking in the Drakensberg, Big Five safari reserves, wetlands and the Midlands Meander arts route.

A distinctive food culture

Durban's culinary scene remains one of its strongest attractions. The city’s large Indian community has shaped a diverse food culture, from street food classics like bunny chow to spice markets and beachfront dining.

A practical alternative to South Africa’s classic stops

While many visitors focus on Cape Town or Kruger National Park, the recognition from Time Out reflects Durban's growing visibility as a well-rounded destination combining coast, culture, food and access to nature - all within one region.

Also Note: Just behind Durban on Time Out’s 2026 ranking is St Helena, named 15th. This remote island offers dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich history, including Napoleon’s exile. With St Helena Airport having reclaimed its Category 6 classification, regular air service has resumed, keeping the island as accessible as it was before the temporary downgrade—ideal for travellers seeking a combination of history, nature, and tranquillity.

Here is the complete list of the best places to visit in 2026:

  1. The Canadian Rockies
  2. Rabat, Morocco
  3. Algodões, Bahia, Brazil
  4. Hamburg, Germany
  5. Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand
  6. Mendoza, Argentina
  7. Cirencester, England
  8. Central Vietnam
  9. Nepal
  10. Favignana, Sicily
  11. Gothenburg, Sweden
  12. Oaxaca, Mexico
  13. Rottnest Island, Australia
  14. Durban, South Africa
  15. St Helena Island
  16. Barra dos Remédios, Ceará, Brazil
  17. Prince Edward County, Canada
  18. Norfolk Island, South Pacific
  19. Hong Kong 

 

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17 February 2026

St Helena Airport regains full operations as flights resume from 17 February 2026

last updated 26 February 2026

The St Helena Government (SHG) just posted the following on facebook: "SHG is pleased to confirm that the major incident regarding airport operations has now been stood down. This follows the return of all three airport fire tenders to full operational status and successful flights to and from St Helena, Ascension and South Africa this week. Normal operations have now resumed.

last updated 19 February 2026

Following the successful repatriation of all passengers affected by the recent airport closure, the St Helena Government (SHG) has announced that Airlink have reopened bookings to and from St Helena via their website. As all previously affected travellers have now been accommodated, SHG has limited spare seats available for the upcoming flight on Saturday, 21 February 2026. 

last updated 18 February 2026 

The St Helena Government (SHG) has confirmed that in close liaison with South African regional airline Airlink, an early flight window to Ascension Island has been agreed.  This arrangement will support those whose travel plans were disrupted by the recent closure, including passengers awaiting onward connections to the Falkland Islands via Ascension.
The flight scheduled for Tuesday, 24 February 2026, will arrive and depart for Ascension Island on the same day. A return flight from Ascension will then arrive in St Helena on 25 February 2026, before departing onward to Johannesburg.  

last updated 17 February 2026  

Following the restoration of Category 6 status at St Helena Airport, the first scheduled Airlink flight has successfully landed, bringing back all waiting residents and half of the stranded tourists. An urgent medical patient was also transported, avoiding a separate medevac. The remaining tourist backlog is expected to clear with Saturday’s flight. Bookings for future flights are now open, and work is underway with Ascension Island Government to schedule flights to Ascension Island. Spare parts for fire tender R2 were delivered, with full operational capability expected later this week. Daily updates will end, with key messages shared as needed. 

last updated 17 February 2026 

After a short period of disruption, commercial air travel to St Helena is back on track. Authorities have confirmed that St Helena Airport has regained Category 6 firefighting accreditation, allowing full air operations and scheduled flights to resume.

This update is especially important for travellers planning trips to the remote South Atlantic island of St Helena, where air access is the primary gateway for tourism and essential travel.

Firefighting accreditation restored

On 15 February 2026, airport authorities confirmed that Category 6 accreditation has been reinstated following extensive technical work on the airport’s rescue and firefighting fleet.

The milestone was achieved through the efforts of airport mechanics supported by specialist engineers from Marcé. Full commissioning tests were successfully completed using fire tender R1, which will operate alongside R3 and the St Helena Fire and Rescue Service.

The results were reviewed and accepted by the independent regulator Air Safety Support International (ASSI), clearing the airport to resume normal commercial operations.

Repairs to the R2 fire tender are continuing, but officials confirmed this does not affect the newly restored accreditation. Longer-term fleet replacement options are being explored with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to strengthen future resilience.

First flights resume with limited passenger availability

The first scheduled flight to St Helena operated by Airlink is planned for today (17 February 2026), subject to favourable weather conditions.

However, travellers should note an important limitation:

  • No tickets will be sold for the 17 February 2026 flight or the 21 February 2026 service.
  • Passengers who already hold bookings for these flights should travel as planned.
  • Remaining seats will be used primarily for repatriation passengers, allocated based on the length of travel delays.
  • Travellers should not contact the airline or the airport directly - updates will be provided by Solomon & Company (St Helena).

When normal bookings reopen

For travellers planning future trips to St Helena, there is positive news:

  • New bookings will reopen from Tuesday, 24 February 2026 onwards.
  • Ticket sales are expected to resume soon once the backlog of delayed passengers has been cleared.

This timeline marks the return of reliable air access to one of the world’s most remote destinations.

What this means for travellers

The restoration of firefighting capability removes the last operational barrier to regular flights. For visitors, this means:

  • Travel planning to St Helena can resume with confidence
  • Tourism recovery on the island can restart
  • Future flight schedules should stabilise in the coming weeks

If St Helena has been on your bucket list, the window to plan new trips is reopening - just be prepared for short-term booking pressure as demand returns.

Travel tip: Once bookings reopen, expect limited seat availability initially. Early planning and flexibility will be key for securing flights to the island.

 

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07 February 2026

St Helena Travel Update: Flights cancelled after airport safety downgrade

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.

-------------

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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11 November 2025

Airlink and St Helena Government announce 18-Month forward flight schedule!

The St Helena Government (SHG) and South African regional airline Airlink have unveiled a new 18-month forward flight schedule to the remote South Atlantic island of St Helena, enhancing travel planning and connectivity for visitors and residents alike.

Airlink
will continue to operate its weekly Saturday service between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and St Helena Airport (HLE) on St Helena, ensuring consistent access to the island. The airline will also maintain its monthly inter-island service between St Helena and Ascension Island, supporting essential regional connections.

To meet growing demand during the southern summer season, Airlink will introduce a seasonal Tuesday return service between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town and St Helena from mid-December 2026 to mid-March 2027. This additional route will make it even easier for travellers to experience the island’s unspoiled beauty and rich heritage.

While the new schedule outlines services up to 18 months ahead, flights remain bookable up to 360 days in advance, in line with Airlink’s booking system. This allows travellers, tourism operators, and local businesses to plan ahead with confidence, with clear visibility of flight frequencies and timings well into 2027.

The release of this extended schedule marks a significant step in strengthening air access to one of the world’s most unique and remote destinations, providing greater flexibility for visitors and supporting sustainable growth for St Helena’s tourism industry.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >> 

 

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28 November 2023

South Africa: Airlink to resume flights between Cape Town <> St Helena!

South African regional and domestic airline Airlink has announced that is will resume direct flights between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town and St Helena Airport (HLE) on St Helena. The airline is planing to operate one weekly flight on Saturdays from December 2024 until March 2025. Until 2017, when St Helena's only airport opened to the public, Cape Town served as the gateway for St Helena, with regular ship services taking a five-day journey. Today, the flight takes just a few hours from South Africa.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

08 March 2023

South Africa: Airlink to increase flights to St Helena!

South African regional carrier Airlink is set to increase flights to the island of St Helena, a British overseas territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean. During the 2023/24 Southern summer season, from 28 November 2023 to the end of February 2024, the airline will operate two weekly flights instead of the current one weekly flight on Saturdays between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and St Helena Airport (HLE) on St Helena. The additional flight will be operated on Tuesdays. Both flights will be operated using Airlink’s second biggest type, the 98-seat Embraer E190.

Airlink is currently in talks with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) to gain the required approvals to resume seasonal flights (November to April) between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town and St Helena from 2024. We'll keep you posted!

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07 July 2022

South Africa: Airlink to increase flights to St Helena! [update]

update (21 July 2022): Airlink has announced that it is preparing to increase the frequency of flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and St Helena Airport (HLE) on St Helena to a weekly service from 15 October 2022.  Flight Schedule with effect from 15 Oct 2022:

  • 4Z 131 Johannesburg 09:00 > 13:25 St Helena on Saturdays
    (the west-bound flight includes a 30min refuelling stop at Walvis Bay, Namibia)
  • 4Z 132 St Helena 14: 30 > 21:15 Johannesburg on Saturdays
    (the east-bound flight is non-stop)

The St Helena Government (SHG) has announced that Airlink is set to increase flights between South Africa and the island of St Helena. The South African regional carrier will operate weekly flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and St Helena Airport (HLE) on St Helena on Saturdays from 08 October 2022. The service will still include the monthly inter-Island service with Ascension Island and additional inter-Island flights during the peak period. Airlink flights with St Helena recommenced in March 2022. Since then the Island has seen eight flights operated fortnightly between Johannesburg and St Helena.  

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

24 November 2021

Airlink to resume flights between Johannesburg <> St Helena! [update]

update (28 December 2021): St Helena's air service provision with Airlink will resume and commence from 26 March 2022. Ticket sales will ‘go live’ from 03 January 2022.

The St Helena Government (SHG) has announced that St Helena’s air service provision with Airlink will resume and is expected to commence towards the end of March 2022. This will include a fortnightly service between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and St Helena Airport (HLE) on St Helena and the monthly inter-island service with Ascension Island. The actual service commencement date and date for when ticket sales will ‘go live’ should be announced in early December 2021.
In order to maintain access to the St Helena, Titan Airways charter flights between the UK, St Helena and Ascension Island will continue between November 2021 and March 2022. Scheduled dates for Titan flights to depart the UK are:

  • 29 November 2021
  • 11 December 2021
  • 4 January 2022
  • 24 January 2022
  • 14 February 2022
  • 07 March 2022

Due to lack of demand, Titan Airways' flight on 28 March 2022 has been cancelled. Passengers booked on this flight will be contacted and may move their bookings to an earlier Titan Airways flight or transition to an Airlink flight.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

20 November 2020

South Africa: Airlink will not operate flights to St Helena between November 2020 - January 2021!

The St Helena Government (SHG) today announced that South African regional carrier Airlink will not operate any flights between South Africa and the Island during November/December 2020 and January 2021. This is due to St Helena having strict quarantine measures in place which limits the number of passengers able to travel to the Island and noting that the St Helena Government (SHG) has also committed to two further Titan Charter Flights during this period. Passengers who have already booked on the Airlink flights for December 2020 and January 2021 will be notified of the cancellation. According to the St Helena Government (SHG), further details on the resumption of the scheduled service between St Helena and South Africa will be issued in due course. We'll keep you posted!
 

10 September 2019

St Helena is seeking for a "Napoleon Impersonator"!

The island of St Helena is looking for a "Napoleon Impersonator" to commemorate the anniversary of Napoleon Bonaparte's death. The impersonator should be a male person willing to appear at events throughout bicentenary celebrations in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and is ecpected to to act as an ambassador for St Helena. According to a Facebook post by Enterprise Saint Helena, a non-governmental organisation responsible for the economic development of St Helena, 27 September 2019 is the deadline for "Napoleon Impersonator" to apply for the position. The first public appearance of "Napoleon" will be on 15 October 2019.

 
St Helena is a remote volcanic tropical island in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 4,000 km east of South America and 1,950 km west of southern Africa. The island measures about 16 km by 8 km. St Helena is part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha and is most known for being the place where Napoleon Bonaparte died in May 1821.


21 May 2019

South Africa: Airlink to introduce seasonal midweek flights between Cape Town <> St Helena!

South African regional carrier Airlink is set to launch a new connection between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town and St. Helena Airport (HLE) on the island of St Helena in the Atlantic Ocean. The seasonal flight is scheduled weekly on a Tuesday and will operate from 03 December 2019 to 11 February 2020. The midweek flight will then revert to OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg with effect from 18 February 2020 through to 31 March 2020. Passengers are now able to make bookings up until late February 2020.
The normal Saturday flight will continue to operate from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. The monthly flight to Ascension Island on the second weekend of each month will also continue as normal, with an additional Ascension Island flight in both December 2019 and January 2020.

12 March 2019

South Africa: Airlink to temporarily offer additional flights to St Helena & Ascension!

South African regional carrier Airlink is set to temporarily introduce a second weekly midweek flight on Tuesdays between South Africa and St. Helena Airport (HLE) on the island of St Helena in the Atlantic Ocean. During the period 03 December 2019 - 11 February 2020 inclusive the midweek flight will operate from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. The midweek flight will then revert to OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg with effect from 18 February 2020 through to 31 March 2020. Passengers are now able to make bookings up until late February 2020.
The normal Saturday flight will continue to operate from
OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. The monthly flight to Ascension Island on the second weekend of each month will also continue as normal, with an additional Ascension Island flight in both December 2019 and January 2020.

05 March 2019

South Africa: Airlink to operate flights between Johannesburg <> St Helena via Walvis Bay!

South African regional carrier Airlink has announced that its flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and St. Helena Airport (HLE) on the island of St Helena in the Atlantic Ocean will now perform an en-route technical fuel-stop at Walvis Bay International Airport (WVB) in Walvis Bay rather than at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, as from 07 April 2019. The flight schedule will remain the same; the flight departs from Johannesburg at 09:00 arriving on St Helena at 13:15 (local time). The return flight departs St Helena at 14:30 arriving in Johannesburg at 21:15 (local time). The service is operated by an Embraer 190 E-jet. The return flight from St Helena will normally operate non-stop. 



Due to the flight duration and prevailing headwinds, an en-route technical fuel-stop is necessary. This refuelling stop currently takes place at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in
Windhoek, which was initially chosen because of the possibility of connectivity.
With
Walvis Bay located at 300ft above sea-level with cooler meteorological conditions compared to Windhoek at 5600ft above sea level, Airlink will benefit by accommodating an additional 11 customers between Johannesburg and St Helena . Currently the flight is restricted to 87 seats including 6 business class seats on departing from Windhoek due to high temperature and high airport elevation.

06 October 2018

St Helena: St Helena Airport has recommenced operations as normal!

St Helena's Government just informed the public that confirmation has been received from the Airport Regulator, Air Safety Support International (ASSI), that the Aerodrome Certificate and approvals for St Helena Airport (HLE) on St Helena have been issued to St Helena Airport Ltd (SHAL). St Helena Airport has recommenced operations as normal with effect from today, 5 October 2018.
St Helena Airport (HLE) was opened in 2016 and began scheduled commercial services on 14 October 2017, when the South African carrier Airlink inaugurated a weekly service from O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg.

04 October 2018

St Helena: St Helena Airport is temporarily closed!

According to the St Helena Government, St Helena Airport (HLE) on St Helena is temporarily closed in accordance with standard regulatory procedure. Basil Read Ltd are no longer contracted to operate the airport, so that the airport's Aerodrome Certificate, which was held by Basil Read Ltd, has been rescinded by ASSI (Air Safety Support International). The Government is in the process of activating contingency arrangements and will update the public shortly. We'll keep you posted!
St Helena Airport (HLE) was opened in 2016 and began scheduled commercial services on 14 October 2017, when the South African carrier Airlink inaugurated a weekly service from O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg.

07 May 2018

South Africa: Airlink to offer additional flights to St Helena & Ascension!

South African carrier Airlink is set to operate an additional 19 midweek flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and St. Helena Airport (HLE) on the island of St Helena in the Atlantic Ocean between December 2018 and April 2019. The additional flights, which will operate alongside the current schedule, are allowing passengers the options of three, four, seven or ten night stays (or indeed longer) on the island.
An additional flight is planned to Ascension Island in December 2018 and again in
January 2019 to meet anticipated demand during the peak period.

08 February 2018

Airlink cancels all Cape Town <> St. Helena (via Windhoek) flights due to aero-political reasons!

Due to ongoing aero-political issues affecting the provision of an air service between Cape Town and St Helena via Windhoek, South African carrier Airlink has recommended to the St Helena Government (SHG) that with immediate effect the airline will no longer offer services between the two destinations and all flights to St Helena should be booked from Johannesburg until these issues are resolved. This means that tickets can only be purchased to fly from Johannesburg. Customers holding confirmed tickets travelling between Cape Town and St Helena will re-route via Johannesburg at no additional cost to the customer. Airlink will continue to advise affected customers of arrangements prior to their departure travel date. A solution to the continuing aero-political issue continues to be sought. We'll keep you posted!

05 September 2017

South Africa: SA Airlink to launch scheduled flights to St Helena in October 2017!

South African carrier SA Airlink, a privately owned airline and a franchisee to South African Airways, is set to launch scheduled flights to the island of St Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean on 14 October 2017. The airline will operate flights to the newly built Saint Helena Airport (HLE) from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg via Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek. SA Airlink will initially operate one weekly flight on Saturdays on board an Embraer E190-100IGW aircraft in a two class configuration. The flight time from Johannesburg to St Helena will be approximately 06:15hrs including a half hour stop in Windhoek. In case that demand grows, the airline is considering to introduce an additional mid-week flight.
The stopovers in Windhoek have been scheduled in a way that the flights coincide with the SA Airlink's service between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town and Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH).



SA Airlink will also operate flights to Ascension Island. A monthly flight to the island located around 1,300 kilometres to the southeast of
St Helena will commence on the third weekend in November 2017. Thereafter the flight will take place on the second weekend of every month.

26 July 2017

South Africa: SA Airlink to operate scheduled flights to St Helena!

The Government of St Helena and South African carrier SA Airlink, a privately owned airline and a franchisee to South African Airways, have signed an agreement for the airline to provide scheduled commercial air services to St Helena. Following the necessary approvals, it is anticipated that the new service will commence in October 2017.



SA Airlink will operate its flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and St Helena's new Saint Helena Airport (HLE) via Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek. On both legs of the journey there will be an opportunity for a connection at Windhoek to a connecting flight to and from Cape Town; this gives flexibility to passengers to go to either destination. A proving flight will need to take place and more information will follow in due course.
The initial weekly service on a Saturday will be operated o board an Embraer E190-100IGW aircraft in a two class configuration. The flight time from
Johannesburg to St Helena will be approximately 06:15hrs including a half hour stop in Windhoek.
SA Airlink
will also operate a monthly charter service between
St Helena and Ascension Island.

28 March 2015

South Africa: St Helena air services to be provided by Comair!

update (17 June 2015): The official IATA code for St Helena Airport on St. Helena has been confirmed. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has formally assigned HLE to the airport. Passengers flying to and from St Helena Airport will find the code HLE on their documentation, such as boarding passes and baggage labels.

The Government of Saint Helena (SHG) and the Department for International Development (DFID) yesterday (27 March 2015) announced that South African aviation company Comair Limited has been appointed the provider of air services to Saint Helena. The weekly Saturday service will be operated using a brand new, state of the art Boeing 737-800 type aircraft in a two class configuration (Business Class and Economy Class) with the flight time from Johannesburg to Saint Helena being approximately five hours.
The agreement with Comair Limited is for an initial term of three years from the date of the first flight, with the potential for up to two extensions of two years each - a maximum term of seven years.
Bookings will open for sale later this year (2015) subject to the conclusion of the required Government and regulatory approvals and obtaining the specific consents and licences associated with the terms of Air Service Agreement between the Government of Saint Helena (SHG) and Comair Limited.



Comair Limited operates scheduled services on domestic and regional routes in Southern Africa as a British Airways franchisee and also as a low-cost carrier under its own kulula.com brand.
Saint Helena Airport, which is currently under construction, is expected to open in 2016. For more info, click here!