After four years of being grounded, state-owned low-cost airline Mango Airlines could finally be cleared for takeoff by December, offering hope to passengers holding long-forgotten tickets from 2021.
The airline, placed under business rescue in July 2021 amid financial turmoil, has opened an online voucher portal, signaling a potential revival. However, industry experts caution that while progress is being made, the airline’s return to the skies is not yet guaranteed.
A Turbulent Journey
Mango, a subsidiary of South African Airways (SAA), faced severe financial distress in 2021, leading to its grounding. Attempts to secure investors repeatedly fell through, including a failed deal with Ubuntu Air Services. At one point, former Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan resisted pressure to sell the airline, leaving its future uncertain.
By the time a potential buyer emerged, Mango had no remaining aircraft—only its brand name remained. Now, the focus is on settling liabilities to pave the way for a fresh start.
What This Means for Passengers
Passengers who held tickets at the time of Mango’s collapse may finally see some resolution. The newly launched voucher portal allows eligible travelers to reclaim the value of their unused tickets—but only if they did not previously receive refunds through banks.
However, the vouchers are contingent on the business rescue process succeeding. If the deal falls through, affected passengers will join the list of creditors, leaving their compensation in further doubt.
A Boost for Airline Competition?
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the potential return of Mango, citing the need for more competition in South Africa’s aviation sector. The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) has long advocated for healthier competition to drive down fares and improve options for consumers.
While optimism is growing, experts warn that Mango’s December relaunch is not yet certain. The current steps are primarily aimed at clearing debts before any operational restart.
Looking Ahead
For now, passengers with old Mango tickets should check the voucher portal to see if they qualify for compensation. Meanwhile, aviation watchers will be closely monitoring whether the airline can finally overcome its financial hurdles and return to the skies in time for the festive season.
As one industry insider noted, “We need more players in the market—but only if they can stay airborne.”