Airlink has suspended its cargo operations at Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport following a change in the airport’s ground handling and cargo service provider.
The airline said it will reinstate cargo services once the new ground handling company’s aviation security, including dangerous goods handling, and other cargo handling certifications, approvals, and protocols are in place.
“While Airlink is prepared to collaborate with Paragon, the new service provider, the safety and security of its passengers, personnel, and aircraft are of paramount importance. If Airlink were to continue providing cargo services at Windhoek without these measures, the integrity of its operations and international aviation safety and security would be compromised,” the airline announced on Wednesday.
However, Airlink confirmed that its passenger services to Windhoek are continuing and that it has deployed an additional team from South Africa to assist with passenger processing.
“Although flights are experiencing delays due to a shortage of ground handling equipment, Airlink strives to make up for lost time whenever possible in order to minimize inconvenience to its customers,” the airline said.
This comes as Menzies Aviation Group was evicted from Hosea Kutako International Airport by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC), ceasing to provide ground handling services.
The new service provider, Paragon Investment Holdings, in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, has taken over the responsibilities.
Airlink operates up to four return flights per day between Johannesburg and Windhoek, as well as up to three flights per day between Cape Town and Windhoek.
