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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