News
Airlink Temporarily Suspends Johannesburg–Maseru Route Over Airport Safety Concerns
Regional airline Airlink has suspended all flights between Johannesburg and Maseru, citing serious safety compliance issues at Moshoeshoe I International Airport in Lesotho.
Why Airlink Halted The Route
According to the airline, the suspension was necessary after it was discovered that Moshoeshoe International no longer had serviceable fire and rescue equipment, a critical requirement for airports handling commercial flights.
Airlink said that international safety regulations made it impossible to continue operations without these systems in place. “Normal services will resume as soon as the airport operator has restored the regulated emergency response capability,” the airline confirmed in a statement.
Until further notice, passengers are encouraged to check with Airlink or their travel agents for updates on their flight status.
Flights Affected By The Suspension
The Johannesburg–Maseru route, which normally operates multiple times daily, has been paused indefinitely. The following flights are affected:
| Flight No. | Route | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4Z 050 | Johannesburg – Maseru | 06:25 | 07:25 |
| 4Z 051 | Maseru – Johannesburg | 07:55 | 09:00 |
| 4Z 052 | Johannesburg – Maseru | 09:45 | 10:45 |
| 4Z 053 | Maseru – Johannesburg | 11:15 | 12:20 |
| 4Z 062 | Johannesburg – Maseru | 15:00 | 16:00 |
| 4Z 063 | Maseru – Johannesburg | 16:25 | 17:30 |
Why This Route Matters
The Johannesburg–Maseru air link has long been a vital connector for trade, tourism, and diplomacy between South Africa and Lesotho. For many business travellers and government officials, the short flight provides an essential alternative to the long and often unpredictable road journey between the two capitals.
Airlink, one of Southern Africa’s leading regional carriers, serves over 45 destinations across 15 countries, playing a key role in connecting smaller regional economies to major urban hubs like Johannesburg.
Reaction From Travellers And The Aviation Community
The announcement has sparked frustration among frequent travellers who rely on the route for cross-border business. Some social media users expressed disappointment, calling for Lesotho’s aviation authorities to urgently restore compliance to avoid further disruption.
Others have praised Airlink’s transparency and commitment to passenger safety, saying the airline made the right decision to ground flights until international safety standards are met.
When Will Flights Resume?
There’s no confirmed timeline yet for when services will restart. Airlink has assured passengers that operations will resume immediately once Moshoeshoe I International restores the required fire and emergency response systems.
Until then, travellers may need to consider road transport options or flights connecting through alternative regional airports.
{Source:The South African}
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
