Mango Airlines Nears Comeback as Sale Obstacle Cleared

Budget carrier Mango Airlines, a subsidiary of South African Airways and known for its low-cost flights from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport to various South African destinations and Zanzibar, is on the brink of a potential comeback after facing a long hiatus since early 2020 due to lockdown restrictions.

The airline, which had been in the process of being sold to new owners, encountered obstacles that delayed its return to operations. However, a recent development saw The Supreme Court of Appeal rejecting Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan‘s attempt to block the sale.

Following this decision, Mango Airlines’ business rescue practitioner, Sipho Sono, expressed satisfaction, noting that the sale process could now move forward. Sono lamented the prolonged nature of the proceedings, pointing out that South African Airways had been keen on divesting Mango Airlines from the start.

If the sale successfully concludes in the near future, Mango Airlines is poised to re-enter the aviation market under new ownership, potentially injecting vitality into South Africa’s airline industry amid challenging economic conditions.

The prospective new owners would need to undergo the process of reapplying for an air service license, as Mango Airlines’ previous license was suspended in August 2022, setting the stage for the carrier’s revival.