Airlink Temporarily Suspends Johannesburg-Maseru Flights Over Safety Concerns at Moshoeshoe I International Airport

With the festive season approaching, South Africa-based airline Airlink has temporarily suspended flights between Johannesburg and Maseru, Lesotho, citing safety concerns at the country’s only international airport. The airline issued a statement on Wednesday evening explaining that the suspension was due to the “lack of serviceable fire and rescue equipment at Moshoeshoe I International Airport.”

Airlink stated that flights will resume once the airport operator restores the required emergency response capability. This is in line with international civil aviation standards for airports handling scheduled commercial aircraft. The suspension affects daily flights, limiting connectivity between Lesotho and South Africa at a time when demand typically rises.

This is not the first time Moshoeshoe I International Airport has faced flight suspensions. In December of the previous year, Airlink temporarily halted its Johannesburg-Maseru services for the same reason, highlighting ongoing challenges with emergency services and equipment at the airport.

Moshoeshoe I International Airport plays a critical role in linking Lesotho to regional and international destinations. Despite its strategic importance, the airport has struggled with outdated infrastructure, limited capacity, and compliance issues with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. These challenges have prompted ongoing renovations and upgrades to maintain safety, efficiency, and competitiveness in the aviation sector.

Estimates for the airport’s rehabilitation have varied widely, with project costs ranging from M700 million to M5 billion, depending on scope and phase. For the 2025/2026 financial year, M108.5 million was allocated, covering works scheduled until year-end, with remaining funds planned for equipment installation in the next financial year.

The project has faced delays and controversies related to budgeting, scope changes, and funding. The government has sought financial support from international partners, including the European Investment Bank, Kuwait Fund, OPEC, Abu Dhabi, and other Arab development funds.

Commissioned in 1985, Moshoeshoe I International Airport is named after the founder of the Basotho nation. It remains Lesotho’s only international airport and serves as a secondary gateway after road transport, providing essential connectivity for citizens and businesses alike. The latest suspension underscores the urgency of completing upgrades and ensuring that safety standards meet international requirements to support reliable air travel to and from Lesotho.