The aviation regulator for St. Helena has downgraded the island’s airport from Category 6 due to fire safety issues, resulting in the suspension of all commercial flights.
Airlink of South Africa, which operated a weekly service from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo and a monthly flight to Ascension Island, has halted operations until at least 20 February 2026. The airport retained Category 4 status, permitting small aircraft and medical evacuation services to continue.
The remote English overseas territory welcomed its first commercial flight in October 2017. Airlink plans to introduce a weekly seasonal service from Cape Town International between December 2026 and March 2027. The downgrade stemmed from identified deficiencies in fire safety measures at the facility.
The suspension affects connectivity for the isolated island community reliant on the Johannesburg route for regular passenger access. Authorities have not specified a timeline for full Category 6 restoration.
While these flights will remain suspended “until at least 20 February [2026],” the airport did manage to secure Category 4 status, permitting small aircraft and medical evacuation flights.
Airlink is scheduled to add a weekly seasonal service from Cape Town International between December 2026 and March 2027. The remote English overseas territory received its first commercial flight in October 2017.
