Flights to and from St. Helena, a remote British overseas territory in the South Atlantic, have been suspended indefinitely after safety checks revealed critical deficiencies in the island’s fire safety infrastructure. The closure, declared a “major incident” by the local government, effectively isolates the island, leaving residents and tourists stranded and raising concerns about access to essential services.
The St. Helena Airport, opened in 2016 after a controversial and costly construction project, is the primary air link for the island’s approximately 4,000 residents. According to a statement from the island’s governor, Nigel Phillips, the airport’s fire engines have developed faults, resulting in “insufficient fire suppressant that could be put onto an aircraft if needed.” The suspension of flights affects all passenger services, though limited exceptions are being made for medical evacuations requiring small aircraft.
The disruption comes at a particularly challenging time for the island. With sea journeys to the nearest landmass taking several days, residents are now unable to travel for medical appointments, business, or personal reasons. Tourists currently on the island face unexpected costs for extended accommodation and provisions. Airlink, the airline providing the only regular commercial service to St. Helena, has grounded its flights in response to the airport closure.
The airport’s troubled history has been a source of ongoing concern. The £285 million (approximately $360 million USD as of ) development was subject to a critical review by British Members of Parliament in 2016, who found that taxpayers had been “unquestionably failed” by the project. Initial commercial operations were hampered by challenging wind conditions, leading some to label the facility a “white elephant.”
The current crisis centers on the airport’s fire safety capabilities. According to Governor Phillips, the issues with the fire engines have degraded the level of fire cover available. International safety standards require adequate fire suppression equipment to be operational in the event of an aircraft incident. The failure to meet these standards has prompted the immediate suspension of flights until the deficiencies are rectified.
A specialist team has been dispatched to the island by the UK government to work towards reopening the airport. The timeframe for resolving the issues remains uncertain, with officials stating that passenger flights are cancelled “until at least .” The UK government has been alerted to the situation and is providing support to address the crisis.
St. Helena’s remote location – approximately 1,200 miles (1,900km) off the southwest African coast – exacerbates the challenges posed by the airport closure. Historically, the island was a vital stopping point for ships traveling between Europe and Asia, but its strategic importance diminished with the advent of modern shipping routes. The airport was intended to boost tourism and economic development, but its operational difficulties have hindered these efforts.
The island’s vulnerability to external disruptions is heightened by its limited infrastructure and reliance on external supply chains. As a remote oceanic island, St. Helena is particularly susceptible to biosecurity threats, requiring stringent customs and excise controls. The airport closure further complicates the logistical challenges of maintaining essential supplies and services.
The St. Helena Airport Limited (SHAL) had recently published updated plans for the period 2021 to 2025, indicating ongoing efforts to improve the airport’s operations and sustainability. However, these plans have been overshadowed by the current safety concerns. The airport website currently lists flight schedules, but these are now subject to change given the ongoing suspension of services.
The situation underscores the logistical and economic challenges faced by remote island communities. St. Helena’s dependence on a single airport for external connectivity highlights the importance of robust infrastructure and contingency planning. The current crisis serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in isolated territories and the critical need for reliable access to essential services.
Immigration requirements for St. Helena remain in place, though the ability to reach the island is currently severely restricted. The island welcomes both long and short-term visitors, but potential travelers are advised to check the latest travel advisories and flight information before making any plans.
