Airlink Apologizes for Unauthorized Cape Town-Gaborone Flights

Airlink, the South African airline based in Johannesburg O.R. Tambo, has issued an apology to the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) for prematurely announcing flights between Cape Town International and Gaborone. The CAAB had fined Airlink for advertising these flights before receiving the necessary authorization. The exact amount of the fine has not been disclosed.

Upon being notified by the CAAB, Airlink promptly removed the flights from its reservations system. CEO and Managing Director Rodger Foster explained, “It was an oversight on Airlink’s part to offer seats for sale prematurely, and we will remedy this. Although Airlink holds a valid foreign operator’s permit (FOP) to provide air services between South Africa and Botswana, the process of getting this particular route included on the permit is still being finalized.”

Foster further noted, “Airlink is designated by South Africa’s aeronautical authorities and licensed to operate up to seven flights a week between Cape Town and Gaborone.” The CAAB instructed Airlink to withdraw all advertisements and cease ticket sales for the Gaborone-Cape Town route until the authorization process is completed.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com