BA franchise carrier grounded in South Africa

South African airline Comair – which flies in British Airways’ livery – has temporarily stopped services as the country’s regulator has “indefinitely suspended its operating licence”.

A statement from the carrier said it is unable to confirm when it will start flying again.

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) initially suspended the licence on Saturday (March 12) over safety issues.

The airline said it sent information to the SACAA overnight on Saturday and into Sunday morning.

Glenn Orsmond, Comair chief executive, said: “We have since received an acknowledgment that the information has been received, but no other formal communication has been received to date. In the interim the CAA has issued a press release saying it will be reviewing and assessing the documents provided.

“This is a huge blow to our customers, employees and the flying public as it effectively takes 40% of the capacity out of the market. The implications for the aviation sector and the country are considerable should the suspension continue for any length of time.”

The airline is continuing to engage the SACAA to get the suspension lifted but meanwhile has been forced to cancel flights.

It has chartered two aircraft to assist stranded vulnerable passengers and those who most urgently need to travel.

The statement from Comair said BA’s booking with confidence policy will apply for customers on British Airways (operated by Comair) flights.

The suspension also affects flights of sister airline Kulula.

Based in Johannesburg, the airline offers services within South Africa, as well as to Zimbabwe and Mauritius.

As a BA franchise partner and a member of the oneworld alliance, it offers connections to other international route networks.

Pictured: Comair aircraft landing at Johannesburg. Credit: Nicolas JvRensburg/Shutterstock