British Airways jets are currently grounded in South Africa indefinitely, with the country’s aviation regulator expressing concerns over engine failure and landing gear malfunctions.
Comair, which manages flights for BA, which is part of International Consolidated Airlines Group's (LSE:IAG), across southern Africa has been suspended from flying since Saturday following an initial temporary ban by the South African Civil Aviation Authority.
That ban was upgraded to an indefinite period one a day later, with the regulator saying, “Comair operations experienced occurrences ranging from engine failures, engine malfunctions and landing gear malfunctions, among others.”
As a result, the carrier has been forced to cancel flights to the ten destinations it services on behalf of BA, including Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia.
“Our priority now is to assist passengers who have been stranded. We have chartered two aircraft to assist vulnerable passengers and those who most urgently need to travel," said chief executive Glenn Orsmond, quoted in the Telegraph.
Officials are investigating the problems, with Orsmond adding the suspension of services “is a huge blow to our customers, employees and the flying public as it effectively takes 40% of the capacity out of the market.”
“The implications for the aviation sector and the country are considerable should the suspension continue for any length of time.”
Comair is the largest regional carrier in South Africa, with a fleet of 26 Boeing jets, largely consisting of 737s and 800s.