South Africa grounds flights

Nationwide, an airline operating out of South Africa, has had its flights grounded until further notice and has ceased from flying between Gatwick and Johannesburg.

Until recently, the airline operated four times a week between the UK and South Africa. Flights were suspended on November 30th after the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) expressed fears about the airline’s safety.

Vernon Bricknell, the airline’s chief executive officer, said in a statement: “We apologise profusely for any inconvenience or confusion that has been caused. With immediate effect, all flights have been suspended until further notice.

“We have approached the C.A.A. for further details and guidance in respect of any actions they would like us to implement that would enable them to reinstate the Aviation Maintenance Organisation license at which point normal operations will resume.

“Safety is our number one priority and we will not compromise the safety of our customers or crew. We do not anticipate a prolonged disruption of air service due to the close cooperation that exists between the Civil Aviation Authority and Nationwide Airlines.”

In addition to the international flights to the UK, Nationwide also operated domestic flights which were often used by tourists in order to reach safari destinations or as part of garden tour holidays.

According to an airline representative, those who have pre-booked tickets on the airline are eligible for a full refund or can rebook their tickets.