Are Safety Issues Grounding Flights from St Helena Island?

The only airport on St Helena has been closed due to fire safety concerns, significantly impacting the island's residents and visitors. Following checks, local authorities declared a major incident after discovering that the airport's fire engines did not meet international safety standards. This closure disrupts the only air route to the remote British territory, leaving many stranded and increasing the financial burden on those affected.

Last updated: 14 February 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

The airport on St Helena, a British overseas territory located 1,200 miles off the south-west coast of Africa, is currently closed following a declaration of a major incident by local authorities. Inspections revealed that the fire engines at the airport failed to meet international safety standards, leading to an immediate halt in passenger flights. Officials have stated that operations will remain suspended until at least 20 February 2024, impacting not just residents but also tourists who were planning to visit the island.

While certain small aircraft can still operate for medical emergencies, the closure has left numerous travellers stranded. As journeys by sea take several days, many residents and visitors are now facing uncertain return plans and extra costs for accommodation and food. The UK government has been notified of the situation, and a specialist team is being deployed to assess and rectify the issues at the airport.

Key takeaways

The airport on St Helena is closed due to fire safety concerns.
Passenger flights are cancelled until at least 20 February 2024.
Stranded residents and tourists face additional costs and uncertainty.
The UK government is involved in efforts to resolve the situation.
Local businesses and tourism may be significantly affected.

Timeline: how we got here

The airport on St Helena opened in 2016 at a cost of £285 million, funded by the UK government. Since its opening, it has faced numerous operational challenges, including adverse wind conditions that have previously affected flight schedules. Recent developments include:

February 2024: Major incident declared as fire engines fail safety checks, leading to the airport's closure.
20 February 2024: Current expected reopening date for passenger flights, contingent on safety compliance.
2016: Airport officially opened, aimed at improving access to the remote island.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The announcement of the airport's closure due to fire safety concerns was made earlier this week, causing immediate disruption for scheduled flights. Affected residents and tourists have begun to voice their concerns about the costs associated with extended stays and the uncertainty of travel plans.

What was already established

Since its opening, the airport has struggled with operational issues, leading to criticism from the Public Accounts Committee, which labelled it a "white elephant." The ongoing challenges have raised questions regarding the effectiveness of the £285 million investment made by British taxpayers.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The closure of the airport has immediate repercussions for the 4,000 residents of St Helena, especially those needing to travel for work or family emergencies. With limited access to the island, residents face increased costs for food, accommodation, and potential changes to their travel plans. The situation is particularly dire for those who had planned visits for specific events, such as the upcoming marathon, scheduled for 22 February.

Businesses and jobs

The local economy, which has increasingly relied on tourism since the airport's opening, could see a downturn due to the closure. Businesses that cater to tourists may suffer from lost revenue during this period, and local workers may face uncertainty regarding job security as the flow of visitors decreases.

Policy and regulation

The UK government has been alerted to the situation, and a team is being dispatched to St Helena to assist with reopening the airport. This involvement reflects the UK's ongoing responsibility towards its overseas territories, particularly in ensuring safety and operational standards are met.

Numbers that matter

4,000: Approximate population of St Helena, all of whom are impacted by the airport closure.
£285 million: Cost of the airport's development, funded by UK taxpayers.
1,200 miles: Distance from St Helena to the nearest mainland in Africa.
20 February 2024: Current expected date for the resumption of passenger flights.
47 sq miles: Total area of St Helena, roughly equivalent to Jersey.

Definitions and jargon buster

Overseas Territory: A territory that is under the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the UK but is not part of the UK itself.
Fire Suppression: Techniques or systems used to extinguish or control fire.
Major Incident: A term used to describe an event that requires special arrangements to be implemented by emergency services.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Residents and tourists should prepare for an extended wait regarding travel plans. It is advised to stay in contact with airlines for updates on flight rescheduling and to explore insurance options for unforeseen expenses.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the situation unfolds, there may be potential for government measures to support affected residents and businesses. Observers should monitor developments regarding flight safety standards and how the airport management addresses these issues.

Signals to watch

Updates from the airport authority regarding safety compliance and reopening timelines.
Government announcements regarding support for local businesses and residents.
Responses from airlines regarding flight rescheduling and booking options.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed through official communications from the airport and airlines.
Consider travel insurance for unforeseen delays and expenses.
Reach out to local authorities for assistance if stranded.

Don’t

Do not attempt to make alternative travel arrangements without checking availability and costs.
Avoid panic buying or overextending financial commitments while awaiting updates.
Do not ignore official advice from local authorities regarding safety and travel.

Checklist

Confirm your current accommodation and its terms for extensions.
Keep in contact with your airline for updates on flight statuses.
Document any additional expenses incurred due to the airport closure.
Review your travel insurance policy for coverage details.
Stay updated on local news for any changes regarding the airport's situation.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the situation is currently assessed, uncertainties remain regarding the timeline for the airport's reopening. Factors such as the severity of the fire engine issues, the response from UK authorities, and weather conditions could all influence the resolution process. Moreover, the financial implications for residents and businesses could continue to mount, leading to heightened anxiety within the community.

Bottom line

The closure of St Helena's airport due to fire safety issues has created significant challenges for residents and visitors alike. With no clear timeline for reopening, affected individuals must navigate uncertain travel plans, rising costs, and logistical challenges. As the situation develops, staying informed and prepared will be crucial for those impacted.

FAQs

What caused the airport closure on St Helena?

The closure was due to fire safety concerns, specifically that the airport's fire engines did not meet international safety standards.

When is the airport expected to reopen?

Passenger flights are expected to be cancelled until at least 20 February 2024, pending safety compliance.

How are residents managing during the airport closure?

Residents are facing increased costs for accommodation and food, with many unsure about when they will be able to return home or continue their travel plans.