British Airways operated South African domestic carriers, Comair and Kulula have suspended all scheduled services through the month of July following an adjusted level 4 lockdown announced by the President to curb COVID-19 on the rise in Gauteng Province, home to Capital city, Johannesburg.
Flight suspension will begin on Monday July 5 with the expected slump in demand due to prohibition of all non-essential travel in and out of Gauteng. Comair aims to recommence services from July 30 subject to regulations being eased and Covid-19 infection rates in Gauteng being contained while Kulula is hoping for August 1 to recommence its services. All affected passengers will be able to utilise their ticket within twelve months from the first date of travel without any penalty. No change of booking fee or fare difference will be charged.
Comair CEO, Glenn Orsmond, apologized to customers affected by the suspension.“This was a difficult decision, but we believe under the circumstances is the right course of action for our loyal customers and employees.”
Comair business rescue practitioner, Richard Ferguson, described the temporary suspension as a “bold, brave and responsible step in light of the prohibition on leisure travel to and from Gauteng, very little business travel and no connecting traffic from international carriers.”
FlySafair and Airlink South Africa confirmed they would continue flying but on adjusted schedules according to new curfew times
By Victor Shalton Odhiambo
