Mango Airlines About to Make a Comeback After Four-Year Hiatus

After four years of silence, Mango Airlines is preparing for what could be a long-awaited return to South Africa’s skies. The low-cost carrier, grounded in July 2021 amid financial turbulence, has entered the final stages of a transaction with a potential investor—sparking hope for its revival. For loyal customers and aviation watchers, this marks a major development in one of the most talked-about business rescue stories in the country’s aviation history.

In a recent update, Mango confirmed that negotiations with the selected investor are nearing completion. If the deal is finalised, it will breathe new life into the airline’s operations and offer relief to thousands of customers who were left holding unused tickets and vouchers. The airline is also rolling out a ticket verification process, giving affected passengers the opportunity to reclaim the value of unflown tickets through new travel vouchers.

However, time is of the essence. Mango has opened a dedicated portal for customers to verify their booking details, and submissions will only be accepted until 1 September 2025. Those who miss the deadline risk losing out, particularly if the airline’s return to operations proves successful.

In this article, we break down what Mango’s possible return means for passengers, what steps ticket holders need to take, and how this next chapter could redefine the airline’s future in South Africa’s competitive aviation market.

Mango Airlines: A Look Back and Forward

Once a popular choice for affordable domestic travel within South Africa, Mango Airlines was grounded in July 2021 due to financial instability. As a subsidiary of state-owned South African Airways (SAA), the airline had operated successfully for years before facing mounting debt and operational challenges that led to its suspension.

Its closure left thousands of customers with unflown tickets and disrupted travel plans, prompting a lengthy business rescue process. Since then, many have been waiting for signs of progress, unsure whether the airline would ever return. Now, with a potential investor on board, Mango appears closer than ever to making a comeback.

The new investor deal is expected to provide the financial stability needed to restart operations, pay off certain debts, and begin restoring customer confidence. While the full details of the investor arrangement remain under wraps, the airline’s communication has made it clear that a relaunch is within reach.

Ticket Holders: What You Need to Do Now

If you purchased a Mango ticket and didn’t get to use it due to the airline’s grounding, now is the time to take action. The airline has launched an official ticket verification portal, giving customers a window from 4 June to 1 September 2025 to submit their claims.

Here’s what you need to know:

Who can claim: Anyone who bought a ticket for a flight after 26 July 2021 and did not receive a refund from their bank, credit card issuer, or third-party agent is eligible.
Who can’t claim: If you purchased your ticket before the operational halt or have already received a refund via external means, you’re not eligible for this round of claims.
How to claim: Visit Mango’s official website and complete the “Mango Flight Ticket Verification Form.” You’ll need either your voucher number (if previously issued) or the original booking or PNR number.

Once verified, eligible passengers will receive a voucher matching the value of their original ticket—redeemable when Mango flights resume. If the investor deal falls through, however, claims will be treated as part of the business rescue process and may only receive partial payouts as creditors.

What Happens If the Deal Doesn’t Go Through?

While there’s plenty of optimism around Mango’s potential revival, the investor transaction has not been officially finalised. Should talks collapse, the airline will remain under business rescue, and affected customers will be treated as creditors in the liquidation or restructuring process.

This means passengers who miss the ticket verification window could lose out entirely or receive only a fraction of the original value. That’s why it’s essential for ticket holders to complete the verification process before the 1 September deadline.

Mango has also warned that no late submissions will be accepted, and incomplete forms may result in disqualification. Customers are encouraged to gather all necessary documentation—such as booking references, proof of payment, or email confirmations—before accessing the portal.

What Could Mango’s Return Mean for South African Travel?

If the airline does return, Mango’s revival could reshape the South African domestic travel landscape. Known for its budget-friendly fares and wide network of routes, the airline had a loyal customer base and played a crucial role in connecting major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.

Its re-entry into the market would likely introduce greater competition—especially as South Africa’s aviation sector continues to recover from pandemic-related losses and operational shifts. Newer carriers and resurgent legacy airlines have stepped in to fill the gap, but many budget-conscious travelers are eager to see Mango’s orange planes back on the tarmac.

Moreover, Mango’s revival could signal positive movement for the broader state-owned aviation framework, potentially boosting consumer confidence in SAA-linked operations.

A Glimpse of the Future

Should everything go according to plan, Mango could resume service as early as 2026. While no firm relaunch date has been set, the tone from the airline has been increasingly positive. Ongoing assessments are being made to ensure that the airline is operationally and financially prepared before flights are scheduled.

For travelers, this means a possible return to affordable domestic air travel options—and for the aviation industry, another chance to recover lost ground.

Until then, the focus remains on finalizing the investor deal and verifying outstanding ticket claims. As the airline steps closer to takeoff once again, it’s clear that Mango’s story is far from over.

Final Thoughts

Mango Airlines’ near-return after a four-year pause brings renewed hope for passengers and a possible shake-up in South Africa’s aviation sector. While uncertainties remain, especially around finalising the investor deal, the active steps being taken signal a strong commitment to resolving past issues and moving forward.

For ticket holders, now is the time to act—submit your claims, keep your documentation handy, and stay informed. And for travelers across South Africa, the skies may soon welcome back a familiar budget airline with a new lease on life.