Monday, June 9th, 2025
After four years of silence, Mango Airlines is preparing for what could be the much-anticipated return to South African skies. The low-cost carrier grounded amidst financial turbulence in July 2021 has entered the final stage of trading with potential investors. For loyal customers and aviation watchers, this is the major development of one of the most talked about business rescue stories in the country's aviation history.
In a recent update, Mango confirmed that negotiations with selected investors are nearing completion. If the transaction is finalized, it will bring new life to the airline's operations and provide relief to thousands of customers who have held unused tickets and vouchers. The airline is also rolling out a ticket verification process, giving affected passengers the opportunity to regain the value of their undefeated tickets through new travel vouchers.
But time is the essence. Mango has opened a dedicated portal for customers to check booking details. Submissions are only accepted until September 1, 2025. Especially if the airline returns to operational success, the risk of missing deadlines is lost.
This article will analyze what the possible returns of mangoes mean for passengers, the gradual steps ticket holders need to take, and how this next chapter can redefine the future of airlines in South Africa's competitive aviation market.
Mango Airlines: Looking back
Once a popular option for affordable domestic travel within South Africa, Mango Airlines was grounded in July 2021 due to financial instability. As a subsidiary of state-owned South African Airlines (SAA), the airline faced debt and operational challenges that led to its halt after years of successful operation.
The closure has disrupted thousands of customers with undefeated tickets and travel plans, prompting a lengthy business rescue process. Since then, many have been waiting for signs of progress. I don't know if the airline will return. With potential investors on board now, Mango is closer than ever to making a comeback.
The new investor trading is expected to provide the financial stability needed to resume operations, pay off certain debts and begin a recovery in customer trust. Although details of the investor arrangement are enclosed, airline communications have made it clear that the renewal is within reach.
Ticket holder: What you need to do now
If you buy a mango ticket and can't use it due to airline grounding, now is the time to take action. The airline launched an official ticket verification portal and provided customers with a window to submit claims to customers from September 1st to September 1st, 2025.
Here's what you need to know:
Who can claim: Anyone who purchased a flight ticket after July 26, 2021 and did not receive a refund from a bank, credit card issuer, or third-party agent is eligible. Those who cannot claim: If you purchase a ticket prior to the suspension of operation, or have already received a refund via external means, you are not eligible for this round of claim. How to make a claim: Visit Mango's official website and fill out the “Mango Air Ticket Verification Form.” You must either have a voucher number (if previously issued) or the original reservation or PNR number.
Once verified, eligible passengers will receive a voucher that matches the value of the original ticket when the mango flight resumes. However, if an investor's transaction breaks down, the claim will be treated as part of the business rescue process and will only receive partial payments as creditors.
What happens if the transaction doesn't go through?
There is a lot of optimism about the potential revival of mangoes, but investors' deals are not officially confirmed. If consultations collapse, the airline is under business rescue and the affected customers will be treated as creditors in the liquidation or restructuring process.
This means that passengers who missed the ticket verification window may lose it completely or receive only a small portion of the original value. Therefore, it is essential that ticket holders complete the verification process by the deadline of September 1st.
Mango also warns that late submissions will not be accepted and incomplete forms may be disqualified. Customers are encouraged to collect all necessary documents, including referencing reservations, proof of payment, or confirming emails before accessing the portal.
What does the return of mango mean for travel in South Africa?
If the airline returns, the mango revival could reconstruct South Africa's domestic travel landscape. Known for its budget-friendly fares and wide route network, the airline has a loyal customer base and has played a key role in connecting major cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
Re-entry into the market could bring greater competition, particularly as the South African aviation sector continues to recover from pandemic-related losses and operational changes. The new and revived legacy airlines have stepped in to fill the gap, but many budget-conscious travelers are hoping to see the mango orange planes return to the tarmac.
Furthermore, mango revivals could show positive movements towards a broader state-owned aviation framework, and could boost consumer confidence in SAA-related businesses.
Glimpse into the future
Once everything goes along with the plan, Mangoes will be able to resume service as early as 2026. No solid reboot dates were set, but the airline's tone has become increasingly positive. Continuous evaluations are being made to ensure that airlines are operationally and financially prepared before flights are scheduled.
For travelers, this means a possible return to affordable domestic air travel options. There is also another opportunity for the aviation industry to recover lost ground.
Until then, the focus is on investor finalizing transactions and verifying unpaid ticket claims. As the airline approaches takeoff again, it is clear that the Mango story is not over.
Final Thoughts
Mango Airlines will bring about the near return of Mango Airlines after a four-year suspension, bringing new hopes and potential for reforms to passengers in the South African aviation sector. Uncertainty remains particularly centred around final decisions on investor trading, but the active measures being taken indicate a strong commitment to solving past problems and moving forward.
For ticket holders, now is the time to act. Give claims, keep documents convenient and keep them informed. And for South African travelers, the sky may soon welcome budget airlines familiar with their lives with new leases.
