KORONGO ANNOUNCES FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS
(Posted 21st August 2015)
The poor condition of the runway at Mbuji Mayi Airport has apparently now led to some damage to Korongo’s Boeing B737 during takeoff when loose tarmac slabs damaged a stabilizer, effectively grounding the aircraft until repairs are carried out.
No passengers came to any harm but the subsequent flights has to be cancelled, effective immediately and until at least the 26th of August.
Passengers booked on flights between the airline’s base in Lubumbashi to Johannesburg, Kinshasa and the culprit airport Mbuji Mayi have been offered a full refund of their tickets or else a free rebooking for flights when services resume. Korongo presently is the only airline in Congo compliant with the EU’s EASA safety regulations and operates a single Boeing B737. The airline is a partnership between Brussels Airlines and local Congolese investors keen on quality services and safe operations.
Communication received from the airline’s Corporate Communications Department expressed sincere regrets for the situation which, going by the reasons explained, was entirely beyond their control.
Mbuji Mayi airport management was immediately informed of the damage sustained by the aircraft and immediate demands were made to repair the runway or else face a boycott by airlines flying there until the situation is remedied. Watch this space for breaking and regular aviation news from the wider Eastern and Central African region.
