After four years of silence on the tarmac, Mango Airlines is preparing for a dramatic return to South Africa’s skies.
The state-owned low-cost carrier, which was grounded in July 2021, is now in the final stages of a business rescue process that could see its signature orange jets flying again as soon as December 2025.
Investor Deal Reaches Final Approach
Chartered accountant Sipho Sono, Mango’s business rescue practitioner, confirmed this week that the airline is close to sealing a deal with a new investor.
This transaction is the linchpin for Mango’s revival and will determine the fate of thousands of passengers holding unused tickets from before the grounding.
If successful, these passengers will receive vouchers redeemable for future flights when Mango relaunches. However, if the deal falls through, ticket holders will be treated as creditors and receive only a partial payout.
Sono urged affected customers to verify their details on Mango’s website before the September 1, 2025 deadline, warning that late submissions will not be accepted and could result in forfeiture of claims.
Passengers who bought tickets before July 26, 2021, have already been refunded through banks or travel agents and are not eligible for the new voucher program.
Fleet Overhaul and Regulatory Hurdles
Behind the scenes, Mango’s Boeing 737-800 fleet is undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment to meet the latest safety and operational standards.
The Ubuntu Aviation Consortium, the group leading Mango’s comeback, is also deep in negotiations for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC)—a critical regulatory requirement that could take several months to secure.
The scope of the fleet upgrades remains under wraps, leaving questions about whether Mango will focus solely on compliance or aim to enhance passenger comfort and in-flight experience.
Strategic Route Revival
Mango’s return strategy includes not only the high-traffic Johannesburg–Cape Town corridor but also plans to reintroduce flights to smaller cities and towns.
This move could shake up the domestic aviation market, bringing more affordable options to underserved regions and potentially driving down fares by as much as 20-30% on competitive routes.
Legal and Market Shifts Pave the Way
Mango’s revival was made possible after a recent Supreme Court ruling cleared the way for the sale of the airline to the Ubuntu Aviation Consortium, despite previous government resistance.
With a funding package of ZAR 326 million secured, the consortium is betting on a December 2025 relaunch to coincide with South Africa’s peak tourist season.
Industry on Watch
The South African aviation sector is watching closely as Mango’s comeback could reshape the budget travel landscape.
The balance between cost-cutting and passenger satisfaction, as well as the airline’s ability to overcome regulatory and operational hurdles, will be decisive in determining whether Mango’s return is a short-lived burst or a sustained ascent.
Also Read
Fact Check: John Deere Is Not Freezing U.S. Manufacturing Operations
Feud Between Trump and Musk Roils Tesla, Shakes Markets and Raises Political Stakes