Flights on schedule at Skukuza Airport after thatch roof catches fire
The terminal’s thatch roof had caught fire on October 6. No injuries were reported.
Airlink Flights announced it will operate on schedule at Skukuza Airport in the Kruger National Park (KNP) after the incident on October 6 in which the terminal’s thatch roof had caught fire.
The CEO and managing director, Rodger Foster, confirms that a section of the Skukuza Airport terminal roof was damaged in a bush fire on Sunday. He said the passengers and airport personnel were safely evacuated and fortunately nobody was hurt or incapacitated.
Airlink flights will operate on schedule. The airline, SANParks, its partner service providers and lodges in the surrounding area have set up temporary departures and arrivals facilities and related services using backup systems to perform the associated processes.
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“We want to minimise any disruptions at Skukuza and we apologise for any inconvenience while we rely on our contingency measures and facilities at Skukuza,” said Foster. He added that travellers making use of a shuttle transfer to and from Skukuza should check with their lodges for any changes to shuttle departure times.
While the fire destroyed a portion of the roof, some water damage was also caused in the efforts to extinguish it. Clean-up and repairwork is under way.
The KNP’s spokesperson, Isaac Phaahla, said they would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the entire Skukuza family for the swift response to the fire. He said the entire working team co-ordinated so well under the leadership of the airport manager, Karin Murray, and other hospitality managers from Skukuza.
“We would like to stress that the safety and security of the airport had not been compromised. Work will still continue. There is a setup to ensure a smooth running of the daily activities. Please note that operations will be slower than usual given the current circumstances, so please be patient with the team as they try to assist as best as they can,” he said.
Phaahla added that the cause of fire as is still unknown, but is being investigated.
