The St Helena Government (SHG) today announced the launch of a Business Support Scheme to provide financial relief to tourism-sector businesses directly affected by the temporary closure of St Helena Airport in February.

Background

On Friday, 6 February 2026, St Helena Airport was unable to operate under normal conditions. Unfortunately, the airport could not provide the ICAO Rescue and Firefighting Category 6 required to support the scheduled Airlink service.

This situation led to four flights being cancelled before Category 6 was restored. The interruption had an immediate and significant impact on the tourism sector, particularly for businesses reliant on visitor arrivals.

Who Can Apply?

The scheme is open to businesses that are incorporated or normally domiciled in St Helena, operating in one of the following sectors:

  • Destination Management Companies
  • Travel Agents
  • Tour Operators
  • Tourist Accommodation Providers (Food and Beverage excluded)

To qualify, businesses must be able to demonstrate that a confirmed booking or contract was directly affected by the airport closure, and that this resulted in a loss of guaranteed profit. Supporting evidence will be required as part of the application.

What Support Is Available?

Once an application has been approved SHG will provide assistance to affected businesses.

Support options approved by Executive Council are:

  • Interest-Free Loan: This scheme will be most suited to businesses who have experienced significant cash flow issues because of the airport closure but can reclaim the losses from suppliers or through insurance. This will need to be repaid within 24 months.
  • SHG Booking and Prepayment Scheme for 2026–2028 Services: SHG will provide assistance by booking and prepaying for services that match the loss incurred due to the airport closure.  This is most suited to accommodation providers and tourism service operators. For example, if an accommodation provider is determined to have lost 10 nights stay, then SHG will book and pre-pay for 10 nights’ accommodation. SHG portfolios will utilise these bookings within a 24-month period for familiarisation, media, academic, or other approved trips.

These schemes provide businesses with both immediate relief and confidence going forward. Businesses may apply for one or both types of support.

Minister for Economic Development, Environment, Natural Resources and Planning, Karl Thrower, stated:

“This scheme demonstrates SHG’s commitment to supporting our private sector through extraordinary circumstances. We recognise the very real impact this disruption has had on businesses and the livelihoods that depend on them, and we want to act quickly and fairly.”

How to Apply

Application forms are available on request from Head of Trade and Investment, Michael Ormrod, by telephone on 22470 or via email at invest@sainthelena.gov.sh. Completed application forms and supporting documents must be submitted to the SHG Trade and Investment Team by Thursday 9 April 2026.

If you believe you may be eligible, please get in touch as soon as possible.

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