By Simon Nare
Airlink has suspended all flights to and from Hoedspruit in Limpopo due to severe flooding that has rendered several roads impassable and restricted access to the airport.
The airport serves surrounding communities, as well as the nearby Kruger National Park and its lodges and resorts.
Airlink said it is in constant liaison with local stakeholders, including the South African National Parks (SANParks) and private lodges in the area, to assist passengers stranded at those destinations.
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The airline said flights will resume once the relevant authorities declare it safe for airport operations to continue.
“We are in constant liaison with local stakeholders, including SANParks and various private lodges in the area, to assist passengers stranded at these destinations.
Customers booked to fly to or from Hoedspruit this week will be kept updated as the situation evolves,” said Villiers Engelbrecht, CEO of Airlink, said on Wednesday.
“We apologise for the inconvenience this is causing our customers. Airlink personnel are working with their counterparts at SANParks and the other service providers to do everything possible to minimise the disruption and expedite the resumption of our flights and operations at Hoedspruit airport.”
Meanwhile, heavy rains continue to batter Limpopo and Mpumalanga, with several Kruger National Park gates closed.
Guests are advised to use more direct routes when accessing camps.
SANParks said access to the park and specific camps has been severely affected by persistent adverse weather conditions, with no access to the park in the far northern regions.
Flooding in the park has been extensive, with swollen rivers and several bridges submerged by rising water levels.
Shingwedzi Camp has been completely flooded, prompting the evacuation of staff and guests to safety.
All bush camps — Bateleur, Biyamiti, Shimuwini, Sirheni, Calamari, Boulders and Roodewal — have been closed, with occupants evacuated.
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Rising water levels in the Crocodile River led to the submerging of a bridge on Wednesday, forcing the closure of that route.
In an advisory, SANParks acknowledged that the closed routes and limited access to camps have caused frustration among guests.
Phabeni Gate remains open but may be affected at short notice depending on river levels.
“River levels are being closely monitored, and updates will be issued should the gate become inaccessible. Guests should also note that there is no access from Skukuza to Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge, Tshokwane and Satara, as the Sabie Low Water Bridge and detour routes are flooded,” SANParks said.
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