Airlink cancels flights to Mozambique after provisional court order to seize 3 aircraft
JOHANNESBURG - South African airline Airlink cancelled flights to Nampula, Mozambique, on Tuesday.
Mocambique.TV 
This follows a provisional court order issued by a Mozambican court to seize three of the company’s aircraft.
Two Mozambican citizens were removed from an Airlink flight in Johannesburg on December 7, 2024, for unruly and threatening behavior.
Subsequently, they took legal action against Airlink in Mozambican courts to contest the removal. Although they obtained a court order for the seizure of the aircraft, the court officials’ attempt to enforce the order was unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, Airlink has engaged legal consultants in Mozambique to assert its rights under local laws and to prevent the enforcement of the court order.
"We do not believe their claim or the district court order they obtained has any merit. Beyond legal channels, as Airlink flights to Mozambique are operated under the bilateral air services agreement between South Africa and Mozambique, we have also sought support from South Africa's Department of Transport and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to resolve the matter through diplomatic channels. We will continue to monitor the situation," said Airlink’s CEO and Managing Director, Rodger Foster.
The South African airline Airlink has announced the cancellation of all flights to Mozambique following the issuance of a provisional court order that mandated the seizure of three of its aircraft. The court order was issued in Mozambique and is part of an ongoing legal dispute, the details of which have not been fully disclosed.
Airlink expressed its concern about the impact of this decision on passengers, stating that it is working to resolve the situation and minimize disruptions. The company also declared that it will take all possible legal measures to overturn the aircraft seizure and resume operations to the country.
In the meantime, passengers affected by the cancellations are being advised to contact Airlink for ticket rescheduling or refunds. The company assured the public that it will provide updates as new developments arise.
This incident highlights the challenges that international legal disputes can pose to the aviation sector and the potential impacts on travelers.
