Hoedspruit Airport Hit: FlySafair Cancels All Flights Until Mid-February Amid Flood Fallout

While other airlines are tiptoeing back to Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport following weeks of catastrophic flooding, one carrier is taking no chances. FlySafair has announced a full suspension of all flights to and from the airport until at least Valentine’s Day, 14 February 2026, striking a more cautious note as the region grapples with the aftermath of a national disaster.

The decision follows the devastating rains and floods in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, classified as a natural disaster, which have claimed lives, destroyed homes, and severely impacted access to the Kruger National Park. Last week’s red level 10 weather warning from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) initially grounded multiple airlines.

A Split in Strategy: Cautious Pause vs. Cautious Return

Other carriers have begun a phased return. Both CemAir and Airlink, which had previously suspended services, have resumed flights after SAWS indicated improved conditions. Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht noted the airline worked with SANParks to minimise disruption after floods severed road access to the airport.

FlySafair, however, has drawn a firmer line. “The flooding has made it necessary to temporarily suspend operations at the airport in the interest of safety,” the airline stated, emphasizing its conservative safety-first approach. All affected passengers are being contacted to rebook to another domestic destination, cancel for credit, or receive a full refund.

The Bigger Picture: A Region Still Reeling

The broader context underscores the severity. Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport also faced severe limitations, restricting access to essential vehicles only. While day visits to the Kruger National Park have resumed, the northern section remains cut off due to washed-away roads and bridgesa clear sign that ground infrastructure, crucial for airport operations and passenger safety, is far from fully restored.

FlySafair’s extended suspension signals a concern that goes beyond just clear skies. It reflects an assessment of on-the-ground logistics, damaged access routes, and the ongoing recovery effort in a region where the term “natural disaster” is not a headline, but a lived and painful reality. For travellers, the message is clear: the path back to normalcy in Hoedspruit will be measured in weeks, not days.