Flights still grounded as SA Express, ACSA fail to reach agreement

SA Express has once again said flights have not resumed as promised on Wednesday, saying that it had not reached an agreement with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).

It said it was working hard to ensure a resolution of the challenges that had affected its operations.

It said in a statement: “A meeting was held on Wednesday, 28 August 2019, between ACSA and SA Express, facilitated by the department of transport (DoT) and the department of public enterprises (DPE) in which a resolution was taken that the withdrawal of services by ACSA be lifted pursuant on SA Express meeting prescribed conditions.

“These conditions were subsequently met hence the SA Express communication that flights would be resumed on the 28 August 2019 at 4pm.

“Disappointingly, ACSA subsequently reneged on the agreements reached, which caused further inconvenience to our passengers on all routes operated by the airline.

“In the meantime, ACSA has referred the matter to their board this morning, the 29th of August 2019, to apply its mind on the issue further and recommend a way forward.”

It said it would provide further updates at new information emerged.

Passengers were advised to contact its reservations department.

“Once again, SA Express deeply regrets the inconvenience that this has caused to all its passengers and other customers.”

SA Express cancelled several national flights on Wednesday morning, citing operational issues.

In a statement after 4pm, they said their operations were resuming.

“The airline’s flights were cancelled for operational reasons earlier today. Alternative travel arrangements were provided for all its passengers to get to and from their destinations.

“Passengers are advised to contact our reservations department (+27 11 978 9905). SA Express staff will also be present at all the airports to assist.”

The airline expressed “deep regret” at the inconvenience caused to passengers and other customers.

A source had earlier speculated that the airline failed to pay Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) and ACSA. This claim was, however, not verified.

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