Airports Company SA unclips Mango’s wings after payment dispute resolution

THE suspension of South Africa’s lowcost carrier Mango Airlines’ flights yesterday was lifted after the airline made a payment towards debt owed to Airports Company South Africa (Acsa).

According to Mango, none of yesterday morning’s flights had departed.

Videos and pictures circulating on social media showed passengers queueing up at check-in points at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Passengers who attempted to visit the Mango office there were stopped in their tracks by security.

“Mango Airlines apologises for today’s flight interruptions and delays. We can confirm that our services and all flights are temporarily suspended for today only, due to outstanding payments to Acsa,” Mango tweeted.

“Senior management and our shareholders are locked in emergency discussions to find an amicable solution to this impasse. We ask for calm and patience as we navigate through these challenges. We apologise in advance for the inconvenience caused.”

Acsa spokesperson Gopolang Peme yesterday confirmed it had suspended Mango Airlines from using its airports due to outstanding debt. “Airports

Company South Africa has since lifted the suspension on Mango Airline with immediate effect. This follows negotiations that were entered into earlier between the two entities. The airline has made part payment today, Wednesday, towards the amount owed for landing fees, parking fees and passenger service charges,” Peme said.

The airline had made further undertakings to settle the remaining debt,

Acsa said. “It is under these circumstances that Airports Company South Africa has agreed to lift the suspension on Mango Airline. The approach of Airports Company South Africa to our business relationship with Mango Airline is consistent with our approach to other airlines based on the terms and conditions entered into contractually.”

Mango Airlines, a subsidiary of South African Airways, is state-owned.