Mango Airlines Prepares for Take-Off Again: What Passengers Need to Know
After nearly four years on the ground, Mango Airlines is preparing for a long-anticipated return to South Africa’s skies. The low-cost carrier, a subsidiary of South African Airways (SAA), entered business rescue in July 2021 and suspended operations shortly after. Now, business rescue practitioner (BRP) Sipho Sono says the airline is finalising a transaction with a selected investor, setting the stage for Mango’s comeback.
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Mango Airlines Eyes a Return
Mango’s grounding dealt a heavy blow to South Africa’s aviation sector, especially for budget-conscious travellers. But Sono, a chartered accountant leading the rescue effort, has confirmed that negotiations with an investor are nearly complete. The deal aims to revive the airline and get its planes back in the air for the first time since July 2021.
“As part of this process, we need to confirm the value of unflown tickets that were purchased but not used and vouchers that were previously issued but could not be used due to Mango’s suspended operations,” Sono explained.
What Passengers Can Expect
If the investor deal goes through, Mango will issue vouchers to passengers who paid for flights they never took. These vouchers will equal the full value of their unused tickets and can be redeemed when the airline resumes operations.
However, if the deal falls apart, Mango will treat those unflown tickets and vouchers as creditor claims. In that case, affected passengers will receive a partial payout through the business rescue process—likely less than the full ticket value.
Don’t Miss the Deadline: Verification Portal Open
Mango has launched a verification portal on its website to manage passenger claims efficiently. Passengers must confirm their ticket details to qualify for voucher reissuance.
Key Dates:
- Portal Opened: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
- Deadline: Sunday, September 1, 2025
Sono urged passengers not to delay. Missing the deadline means forfeiting any rights to vouchers or refunds.
Who Qualifies?
Only passengers who bought tickets and paid in full before Mango’s grounding—after July 26, 2021—are eligible. Those who purchased tickets before that date have likely received refunds from banks, credit card companies, or travel agencies and are not part of this verification process.
Delays at SAA Create Tension
One of the final obstacles to Mango’s relaunch involves its parent company, SAA. Although SAA approved the business rescue plan, it has yet to sign off on the sale of shares agreement submitted in November 2022.
Sono’s legal team sent a formal letter to SAA on May 2, 2025, demanding a response within 14 calendar days. He warned that further delays could derail Mango’s return and threaten the business rescue’s success.
Lessons from the Past: The Fall of 1time
Mango’s comeback is drawing comparisons to 1time Airline, another local low-cost carrier that shut down in 2012 after a failed business rescue attempt. The National Consumer Commission launched a probe into 1time’s last-minute ticket sales but closed the investigation after the airline entered liquidation.
Unlike 1time, Mango appears to be prioritising transparency and customer protection by offering clear timelines and communication about the verification process.
A Boost for South Africa’s Aviation Sector
Mango’s potential revival could bring much-needed relief to South African travellers facing limited low-cost options and rising airfares. If the investor deal is finalised, Mango won’t just restart flights—it will help restore competition and consumer trust in the market.
The coming weeks are crucial. Passengers who want to reclaim the value of unused tickets must verify their information by September 1, 2025. With an investor nearly onboard and preparations underway, Mango Airlines looks ready to soar once again—offering hope for more affordable and accessible travel across South Africa.
