Airlink apologises for advertising Gaborone flights

Independent carrier Airlink has apologised to the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana for prematurely announcing flights between Cape Town and Gaborone. A Cape Argus report notes the apology comes after the aviation authority noted with concern the advertisement for Airlink-scheduled flights between the two destinations, and the sale of the flight tickets. Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana spokesperson, Modipe Chris Nkwe, said the airline was not permitted to fly the route. ‘The airline’s acts contravene regulations five and seven of the Civil Aviation (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations, 2012. Consequently, the authority has fined Airlink (Pty) Ltd for violating these regulations,’ he said. As per the Act, Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana is tasked with overseeing airport management, supplying air navigation services, regulating air transportation, and counselling the government on matters about civil aviation. It has also been requested that Airlink stop selling tickets and remove all marketing on the Gaborone to Cape Town route immediately. Airlink has withdrawn the flights from the reservations system upon receiving the Botswana CAA’s letter. According to Airlink’s chief executive and managing director, Rodger Foster, there was an oversight on Airlink’s part to offer seats for sale prematurely, and they will remedy this. He said although Airlink holds a valid foreign operator permit to provide air services between SA and Botswana, the process of getting this particular route included on the permit was still being finalised.