For South Africans and regional travelers planning a trip to Mozambique, there’s an unexpected hurdle — Airlink has temporarily stopped selling flight tickets to the country.
The airline says it’s not about demand, but rather about a financial deadlock that’s preventing them from accessing money they’ve already earned locally.
Why Airlink Pulled the Brakes
Airlink, a major South African airline that also connects several neighboring nations, has hit pause on ticket sales to Mozambique.
The reason? They’re struggling to repatriate millions in revenue generated from Mozambican ticket sales.
In a formal letter to Noor Momadem, president of Mozambique’s Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (Avitum), Airlink revealed that the situation has put “considerable pressure” on their operations.
While the airline stressed its commitment to supporting Mozambique’s tourism industry, it admitted that the ongoing restrictions may force it to close down local ticketing channels altogether.
What Airlink Is Promising Travelers
Despite the tough stance, Airlink has assured travel agents and passengers that, if the suspension becomes permanent, they will be given “ample notice and support” to adjust travel plans.
For now, the suspension affects only new ticket sales — passengers who have already booked are not immediately impacted.
The Bigger Picture: Airlines Stuck With Billions
Airlink’s challenge is part of a much larger global crisis.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), airlines around the world couldn’t access $1.3 billion (R22.9 billion) in April 2025.
Shockingly, 85% of that figure comes from Africa and the Middle East.
Mozambique is currently the single largest contributor to the problem.
In fact, blocked airline revenues in the country have surged to $205 million (R3.61 billion) this year, a sharp rise from $127 million (R2.24 billion) in October 2024.
While other regions are making progress, Mozambique’s situation seems to be getting worse.
What the Government Is Saying
Mozambique’s Finance Minister, Carla Loveira, acknowledged the problem back in June, confirming that the government was working with local banks to free up foreign currency reserves.
However, she did not commit to a specific timeline for when airlines will actually be able to access their money.
A Growing Concern for Air Travel in Africa
This isn’t just a numbers problem — it’s a connectivity issue.
If airlines like Airlink can’t retrieve their earnings, they may reduce or even cut off flights entirely.
That could make travel more expensive and less reliable, hitting both tourism and business in Mozambique and beyond.
What It Means for Your Next Trip
If you’re planning a getaway to Mozambique, this development is something to watch closely.
While existing bookings are still valid, new ticket sales through Airlink are on hold.
Passengers are encouraged to stay in touch with travel agents for updates.
