Comair’s imminent closure could affect tourism recovery, says Sisulu

Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said on Thursday the upcoming closure of Comair airline was unfortunate and would hurt tourism in the country.

Comair, which suspended its British Airways (domestic) and Kulula flights a week ago had been unable to raise the funds needed to get back on the air due to a funding crisis.

The company’s bailout practitioners said Thursday the company could not find the funding it needed to continue operating . They said they no longer see any reasonable prospect of the company being rescued.

“This development is truly unfortunate at a time when we are making progress in the recovery of our industry. This essentially results in a limited distribution network where both domestic and international travelers have limited capacity to reach and explore the length and breadth of our beautiful country,” said Sisulu.

She said, Affordability and access are already a big consideration for travellers.

“We hope that the grounding of Comair flights will not result in other airlines raising their prices. For our sector to continue to recover, we need to work together and find a solution that doesn’t put travelers in a worse position,” said Sisulu.