Following a notice issued by Lesotho authorities, prohibiting all international, regional, and domestic flights to and from the country until January 27, Airlink announced on January 14, 2021, a halt of all operations for its daily passenger flight route between Johannesburg and Maseru (Moshoeshoe I International Airport).
According to Logistics Update Africa, Airlink managing director and CEO, Rodger Foster, addressed the matter stating, “We regret, but respect the decision to temporarily halt passenger flights to Maseru’s Moshoeshoe I International Airport, which is Lesotho’s primary air transport gateway and we apologise to our customers for the inconvenience and disruptions to their business that this will cause.”
The notice – issued to Airmen (NOTAM) – was put in place as a measure to contain the recent surge in Covid-19 infections in the Southern-African region.
“The well-being of our customers, crew, and staff is our priority. Although we are required to suspend our Maseru flight, we continue to operate all of our other flights to destinations throughout Southern Africa and within South Africa. By diligently applying and adhering to stringent bio-security protocols, we have demonstrated that flying is the safest way to travel, and that we can continue to support and enable business, tourism, and trade without spreading the Coronavirus,” added Foster.
In addressing flight activity after the ban has run is prescribed period, Foster went on to reassure customers that “Airlink is looking forward to re-establishing the vital connections that sustain the all-important trade, business, tourism, and family ties between the Mountain Kingdom and its neighbour.”