Sunday, 14 October 2018, marked the one year anniversary since the start of commercial flights into St Helena. This is a momentous milestone for St Helena Airport.

The first commercial flight arrived at St Helena Airport from South Africa on Saturday, 14 October 2017, with 72 passengers onboard.

To date (excluding the past weekend’s flights), there have been 104 scheduled flights to and from South Africa. This has seen 6208 passengers arriving and departing from St Helena Airport on these flights.

As with any airport, St Helena Airport has also experienced delays due to unfavourable weather. Despite the wet winter season, there have only been seven delays to Saturday flights during the first year of commercial services. Nevertheless, commercial flights have afforded thousands of people quick access to and from the Island, enabling many Saints who have not been back to the Island for several years to return to visit friends and family, and become reacquainted with St Helena.

Chief Executive Officer and Accountable Manager of St Helena Airport Ltd, Gwyneth Howell, said:

“This period has flashed past us and much has changed. In the past year, as an operation, we have learnt a lot and improved our services along the way. We would like to thank our customers, contractors, ASSI, SHG, and of course our Airport Staff for their unstinting efforts.”

To commemorate the one year anniversary of commercial air services, SA Airlink’s Chief Executive Officer, Rodger Foster, is due to visit the Island next month.