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The Captain of the MV Karoline, together with Port Control, assessed sea conditions this morning, 12 February 2026.

The MV Karoline has now safely berthed alongside Rupert’s Jetty to begin offloading cargo for the island. All personnel involved in the offloading operation are working diligently to ensure that goods are distributed and available in shops as soon as possible.

The public are thanked for their understanding and cooperation during this time.

SHG

12 February 2026

With the recent accreditation of the Airport to Category 4, the St Helena Government (SHG) is pleased to confirm a significant step in maintaining essential services.

Successful Medevac Flight

A medical evacuation (Medevac) flight was successfully conducted today, under normal operating procedures. The primary purpose was to ensure the safe, rapid transfer of an emergency medical patient for potentially lifesaving surgery in South Africa.

As a result of the need for this Medevac flight, three patients who were receiving medical treatment overseas have been able to return home. A further two patients have been able to leave the island on this flight for scheduled urgent care.

Equipment for Fire Tender Repairs

SHG can also confirm that the spare parts and specialised tools required to repair the airport’s fire tenders are now en route to the island. They will be accompanied from South Africa by two specialist engineers to provide additional capability and capacity to conduct repairs as quickly as possible, with teams working in shifts. We anticipate they will arrive on a charter flight later in the week.

We have again taken the opportunity to fill the remaining seats on this flight, in both directions, from a carefully prioritised list including those with prioritised medical care needs and critical personnel. 

Contacts

For all affected passengers, information regarding flight bookings, travel logistics, accommodation and other travel-related support is available from Solomons Travel Agency directly at 22523 or flights@solomons.co.sh.

Any immigration concerns can be directed to cienquiries@sainthelena.gov.sh.

For pharmacy assistance or general health-related questions, please contact Jamestown Hospital at 22500 during normal opening hours.

The St Helena Government (SHG) acknowledges the significant disruption and concern caused by the current suspension of commercial air services.

We wish to provide the community with a comprehensive update on the progress being made to restore full operations, and the information we have available to date. To that end and to address a number of the questions raised by members of the public, we have prepared a Q&A document. It can be accessed here: https://www.sainthelena.gov.sh/documents/airport-closure-qa/. We will continue to update the document as the situation changes.

Current Status and Safety Measures

Following intensive work by the St Helena Airport team and the St Helena Fire and Rescue Service, the regulator has granted approval for the airport to operate at Category 4. This allows for Medevac flights and small executive-type jets to land on St Helena, providing a viable route for spare parts and additional technical expertise, as well as time critical overseas medical referrals.

Due to an incident overnight, we now expect a Medevac flight to take place tomorrow. This flight is operating to the same timescales as would normally be the case. This should reassure the public that essential medical services are fully operational.

Whilst this is a vital step in maintaining a lifeline to the island, we stress that Category 4 is not a replacement for commercial services. Airlink have currently suspended future bookings to St Helena. This should not be taken as an indication of how long the disruption will last and flights will only be cancelled on a flight-by-flight basis, as necessary. 

As of today, 10 February 2026, only flights for 7, 10, 14 and 15 February 2026 have been cancelled.

Restoring the airport to Category 6, required for Airlink’s commercial flights, as soon as possible remains our highest priority.

The Path to Restoration

We are pursuing multiple short and long-term solutions in parallel, including:

We are working with the regulator across all solutions to understand how we can safely achieve a return to Category 6 status for normal operations to resume as soon as possible.

Residents Overseas

To assist with repatriation at the earliest opportunity, we are currently relocating residents from Cape Town to Johannesburg. We are aware that, for many, the health provisions of travel insurance may be running out. Although it is not a mandatory requirement in South Africa, we strongly recommend that you speak with Solomons and extend your cover if you are affected. 

Operational Response and Community Support

Gold Command is continuing to meet daily, coordinating efforts locally and internationally. The Major Incident Response Plan is functioning effectively, with personnel across various agencies working around the clock.

For those requiring assistance, refer to the contact points at the bottom of this press release for matters regarding on-island support.

Public Discourse and Professionalism

SHG remains committed to a transparent review of these events at an appropriate time, once the operational response is no longer the primary focus.

Whilst we welcome constructive feedback and recognise the right of the public to express frustration or criticism, we must address the nature of recent online commentary. However, we do not condone discrimination nor racism. Abuse directed toward St Helena Airport or SHG staff will also not be tolerated. Our teams are working tirelessly to resolve this crisis and they deserve a safe and respectful environment in order to do this.

We thank the community for its continued patience and resilience. This situation will not be resolved overnight, but we are moving as quickly and safely as possible to return to normal operations.

Contacts

For all affected passengers, information regarding flight bookings, travel logistics, accommodation, and other travel-related support is available from Solomons Travel Agency directly at 22523 or  flights@solomons.co.sh.

Any immigration concerns can be directed to cienquiries@sainthelena.gov.sh.

For pharmacy assistance or general health-related questions, please contact Jamestown Hospital at 22500 during normal opening hours.

#StHelena #AirAccess

On Monday, 9 February 2026 His Excellency Governor Nigel Phillips CBE and the Honourable Chief Minister Dr Rebecca Cairns-Wicks MBE made a statement on the current airport disruption to the media.

This was broadcast on SAMS Radio 1 and Saint FM and is available on Spotify:

SAMS Radio 1 – https://open.spotify.com/episode/4U3nlUUz4VXDB4eXpBWlwy?si=FDItmOqpRieGCJdZDaLepA

Saint FM – https://open.spotify.com/episode/4YiPPeR7kBLP4N53mXpEh5?si=YiyUYuVnQnaK-4LbT4UwDA

For those unable to listen to the broadcast, the transcript appears below:

[Governor]

The Chief Minister and I know that many of you are concerned about the disruption at the airport and the impact it is having on individuals, families, businesses and medical needs. We want to provide an update on progress to-date and next steps.

First, we are pleased to confirm that the airport has now secured regulatory approval from Air Safety Support International to operate at Category 4. This is a very important step and has only been possible thanks to the Herculean efforts of the airport team, our Fire and Rescue Service, the Gold Command group and the regulator.

Most importantly, this means medevac flights can operate.

Category 4 also means that small aircraft can land. This is not a solution to replace general passenger transport. But it does provide a safe and viable route for getting essential spare parts and specialist engineers to the island. This will help us move forward at speed with getting the airport fully operational again.

At the same time, we need to manage expectations. Category 4 does not allow for Airlink’s commercial flights to resume, that requires Category 6 status.

At this time the only flights that have been cancelled are those that were due to depart on 7, 10, 14 and 15 February. This is a moving picture and future flights remain under active review. Airlink have currently suspended future bookings on St Helena flights to avoid confusion until there is greater clarity on when flights will resume.

We are aware of speculation circulating on social media, including questions of blame and calls for investigations. We understand that people want answers, so does government, so does the airport team.   

Let us be clear: we will absolutely examine what has happened, not least because none of us want this to happen again. That work will be done with transparency, but it must be done in the right way and at the right time.  We will not take any action that prejudices the proper processes that will follow.

For now it is critical we keep our eye on the ball and nothing can be allowed to interfere with the immediate operational effort to restore our commercial air access.

Chief Minister…

[Chief Minister]

As the Governor has set out, this is a challenging time for many and I know the airport’s temporary closure has caused real worry and disruption. I want to assure everyone we are all doing our very best to support those people affected and resolve the situation as soon as possible. This is a collective effort by many and I would like to thank everyone for their efforts and patience as we work through this together. Beyond Gold Command, this includes relevant agencies, tourism, private businesses and local media services.

For now, our priorities remain:

Gold Command continues to meet daily, and they are working closely with all local agencies and international partners.

Contact points have been shared in the press and online for those with enquiries about bookings, travel logistics; immigration; pharmacy and health.

[Governor]

Thank you, Chief Minister.

To close.  The community’s patience and resilience are hugely appreciated. We remain fully committed to guiding the Island through this calmly, transparently and undertake to share updates as they become available

On behalf of the Chief Minister and myself, thank you for your attention..

#StHelena #AirAccess

www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/

The public are advised that the Jamestown Wharf will be closed to all members of the public from 06:00 on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, due to the arrival of the cruise ship MV Azamara Journey. Any closure will be weather dependent and based on the sea conditions on the day.

The Jamestown Wharf will remain closed until the vessel has departed.

Access to the Jamestown Wharf will be strictly prohibited and will be limited only to those who have made prior arrangements with Port Control.

Boat owners are further advised that no maintenance works will be permitted on the Wharf during this period.

Port Control thanks the public for their cooperation during this time.

St Helena Airport today announced that they have secured regulatory approval from Airport Safety Support International (ASSI) to operate at Category 4. This certification will permit small aircraft, such as medical evacuation flights, to use the airport. This provides additional reassurance to the public in the event of medical emergencies. It also opens up a viable air transport route for essential spare parts and technical personnel.

The aerodrome rescue and firefighting category defines the types of aircraft an airport can safely manage based on its firefighting capability. Achieving Category 4 was made possible with the support of the SHG Fire and Rescue Service and additional training for airport personnel.

This categorisation does not allow for the resumption of Airlink commercial airline operations. 

Operational Status, Flight, and Immigration Enquiries

Gold Command continues to meet daily. We are actively working with local agencies and international partners to restore normal airport operations (Category 6) as quickly and safely as possible. 

For specific information regarding flight bookings or travel logistics, passengers should contact Solomons Travel Agency directly at 22523 or  flights@solomons.co.sh.

Any immigration concerns can be directed to cienquiries@sainthelena.gov.sh.

For pharmacy assistance or general health-related questions, please contact Jamestown Hospital at 22500 during normal opening hours.

#StHelena #AirAccess #Category4

www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/

Following the temporary closure of St Helena Airport on Friday 6 February, Gold Command will continue to meet daily to coordinate a resolution. We understand the uncertainty this situation brings to residents and visitors alike, and we remain committed to providing updates as the situation evolves.

Medical Continuity and Overseas Treatment

The Health and Social Care Portfolio is working closely with patients scheduled for overseas medical referrals. Individuals currently awaiting overseas medical treatment will receive ongoing contact and regular updates regarding their specific travel plans and appointments.

Support for Visitors on Island

We wish to reassure all tourists and visitors that their health remains a priority.  If your prescribed medication is depleted as a result of the flight delays, and you require essential medication please note the following:

For pharmacy assistance or general health-related questions, please contact Jamestown Hospital at 22500 during normal opening hours.

Operational Status, Flight and Immigration Enquiries

Gold Command is actively exploring all available options and working with international partners to restore normal airport operations as quickly and safely as possible.   

For specific information regarding flight bookings or travel logistics, passengers should contact Solomons Travel Agency directly at 22523 or  flights@solomons.co.sh  or Airlink at Airlink Reservations Support desk on +27 11 451 7300 select option 1 or E-Ticketing@flyairlink.com, alternatively contact the Customer Care Team on CustomerCare@FlyAirlink.com.

Any immigration concerns can be directed to cienquiries@sainthelena.gov.sh.

#StHelena #AltogetherHealthier

www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/

St Helena is still experiencing a north-westerly swell, resulting in unsettled sea conditions in both James and Rupert’s Bay.

Boat owners are advised to ensure their vessels are securely moored during this period.

Rupert’s Beach and the Jetty are now open, but the public are advised to exercise caution in these areas. Swimmers should exercise extreme caution when entering the water in James and Rupert’s Bay and refrain from using life rings and other lifesaving equipment for recreational swimming.

Vehicle owners are advised to avoid parking near the rails on the seafront and individuals are asked to use caution when in close proximity to the railings due to the potential risk of wave overspray and associated hazards.

The Emergency Planning Department will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as necessary.

The St Helena Customs and Immigration Department is aware that the temporary closure of St Helena Airport may cause concern for some residents and visitors, particularly in relation to their immigration status.

We would like to reassure the public that we are closely monitoring the situation. At this time, there is no action required from individuals in relation to their immigration status as a result of the airport closure.

Our teams are working closely with relevant partners and we will continue to assess any potential impact.

Should it become necessary to contact specific individuals, further guidance will be issued directly and through official channels.

For enquiries, please contact Customs and Immigration via email at cienquiries@sainthelena.gov.sh during normal office hours.

We thank everyone for their patience and understanding.

The St Helena Government regrets to inform the public that St Helena Airport is currently unable to operate as normal. Following technical assessments, the aviation regulator is expected to confirm that the airport must be downgraded from Category 6. This decision is based on fixed international safety requirements and a lack of confidence in the operational readiness of the fire tenders, meaning the airport cannot safely support standard flight operations at this time.

A downgrading from Category 6 means Airlink will not operate. As such Airlink flights will be cancelled until the issue can be resolved. We believe at this stage that this will affect all flights until at least 20 February. We will keep future flights under review until we can give certainty around the resumption of business as usual. We are working to confirm whether medical evacuation flights will be affected.

We recognise that this will affect many people, including those with upcoming travel plans, those expecting visitors and individuals with urgent medical needs that require travel off-Island. We know this will cause concern and we are deeply aware of the disruption this situation creates for families, businesses and the wider community.

We are working urgently with all stakeholders to understand the full impact. This includes close cooperation with Airlink, Solomons and other partners so that we can address questions, provide clarity where possible and ensure that advice and updates are consistent and timely.

Our priority is to restore normal operations as quickly and safely as possible. We are assessing all available options. No aircraft will operate until we are fully confident that the airport meets the safety standards required to keep passengers, crew and staff safe.

In response to this situation, a Major Incident has been declared. This means that the Chief Secretary has assumed control as Gold Commander and is directing the response to this incident through a Gold Command group comprising key stakeholders. The Chief Secretary will keep Executive Council informed and ensure public messaging is updated. Operational contact points will be shared as soon as possible.

As we receive further information we will share it with the public and will continue to work with partners to explore all possible solutions for those affected.

We thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we work to resolve this situation.

For those with flight bookings, please contact Solomons or Airlink:

Solomons phone: 22523

Solomons email: flights@solomons.co.sh

www.facebook.com/StHelenaGovt/