Airlink Suspends Nampula Flights Amid Aircraft Seizure Threat

Airlink (South Africa) (4Z, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo) has suspended flights to and from Nampula, Mozambique, effective January 7, 2025, to avoid potential aircraft seizures following a damages claim filed by local passengers. The issue stems from an incident on December 7, 2024, at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo airport, where two passengers were offloaded for unruly behavior, prompting eight accompanying family members to disembark voluntarily.

Mozambique’s Nampula Provincial Court had issued an interim order to seize three of Airlink’s aircraft, including an Embraer E135, ZS-TFL (msn 145368). An attempted seizure of the jet on December 28 in Nampula failed. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for mid-January.

The claimants include members of the Nampula-based Gulamo family, owners of the RGS Group. Airlink argues the Mozambican court lacks jurisdiction over its foreign-registered aircraft and emphasizes that the incident was handled under South African aviation regulations, with reports submitted to relevant authorities.

Airlink has sought legal and diplomatic support, involving South Africa’s Department of Transport, Department of International Relations, and Mozambique’s civil aviation regulator. CEO Rodger Foster stated, “We cannot operate under the threat of unlawful seizure. The safety and well-being of our passengers, crew, and aircraft take precedence.”

The suspension impacts trade, tourism, and travel, but Airlink insists it must protect its operations while pursuing resolution through legal and diplomatic channels. Foster reiterated the airline’s zero-tolerance policy for onboard unruly behavior.

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