Mango Airlines Eyes a Comeback: What it Means for Joburg Travellers

A Possible Return to the Skies for Mango Airlines

It’s been nearly four years since Mango Airlines abruptly halted operations, leaving hopeful travellers grounded and holding onto now-dusty travel vouchers. But there’s a spark of optimism in the air again.

The low-cost airline says it’s in the “final stages” of concluding a comeback deal with Ubuntu Air Services, a joint venture between local tour operator AfricaStay

and investment firm DG Capital. If all goes to plan, Mango could be gearing up to fly again, and this time, with a new strategy in hand.

What Does this Mean for Passengers With Old Tickets?

For those who bought tickets before Mango’s operations were suspended in June 2021, there’s good news — potentially. If the transaction goes through, travellers holding unused tickets could receive vouchers equal to their original ticket value, redeemable when the airline resumes flying.

But here’s the catch: if the deal collapses, those same tickets will be treated as creditor claims in Mango’s business rescue process. In that scenario, passengers would only get back a portion of what they paid.

Passengers hoping to reclaim value need to act fast. Mango has opened a ticket verification portal for submissions, which will remain open until September 1. Any claims made after the deadline won’t be considered.

A Long, Turbulent Road to Recovery

Mango’s fall from the skies was as sudden as it was frustrating. The airline entered business rescue in June 2021 and ceased flights on the 27th of that month. What followed was a drawn-out legal and bureaucratic battle to secure the airline’s future.

In 2023, business rescue practitioner Sipho Sono took the matter to court, fighting for the right to sell Mango to a private investor. The legal case named high-profile institutions, including the Department of Public Enterprises, South African Airways, The National Treasury, and various aviation licensing councils. Sono eventually won, paving the way for a potential sale.

Then came another hurdle: Mango’s licences were revoked. This forced Ubuntu Air Services to rework the plan. The new approach involves partnering with an existing airline that already has a valid Air Operator Certificate. Behind the scenes, Sono and Ubuntu have been reshaping the model to fit South Africa’s current aviation landscape — a market still reeling from post-pandemic shocks and rising operational costs.

Will Mango Take Flight Again?

That’s the million-dollar question. The buzz around Mango’s return has resurfaced on social media, with some South Africans cautiously hopeful and others still smarting from previous losses.

For now, all eyes are on how the final leg of the investor deal plays out. If successful, Mango’s return could offer Joburg travellers — especially budget-conscious ones — another local airline option in a space that’s seen far too many disappear.

The airline that once coloured South African skies orange may soon be cleared for takeoff again. Until then, hopeful passengers and industry watchers will have to sit tight, check their vouchers, and watch the clock tick down to September.

Source:Tourism Update 

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