In an abrupt announcement, Comair has decided to ground all flights in South Africa from 1 June, due to funding issues.
Comair ‘cannot afford to fly’
In a media statement released late last night (31 May 2022) at 22:00, Comair announced that all of their flights, both British Airways and Kulula.com, would be suspended due to lack of funding.
Comair said that the suspension is in force while it attempts to secure additional funding.
“The company’s business rescue practitioners (BRPs) have advised that the process to raise the necessary capital is in progress and that there is reason to believe such funding may be secured. Once received, the airline will be able to recommence operations, but regrettably under these circumstances, the practitioners have no choice but to voluntarily suspend all scheduled flights until the funding is confirmed.” read the statement.
“We did everything we could”
Glenn Orsmond, Comair CEO, said the airline deeply regrets the inconvenience the suspension will cause for customers.
“We did everything we could to avoid it. Comair, the BRPs and the lenders are working all out to get the funding in place so that we can resume our normal flight schedule as soon as possible,” he said.
“Comair is inherently a viable business. We have the two of the best airline brands in the country. We are on track to carry over 4 million passengers this year and generate R5,3 billion in revenue. We have excellent staff, a modern fleet, good sales and distribution channels and low operating costs, which is why we believe the funding will be secured.” he concluded.
The statement also said that Kulula.com customers on suspended flights will have the option of a Travel Bank credit or a full refund of their ticket value. Customers wanting to retrieve their Travel Bank credit or full refund can email: MNContactCentre@comair.co.za.
The carrier is yet to provide details on when the issue will be resolved.
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