Mango Airlines Rescue Plan Collapses as Investor Pulls Out

---

South African low-cost carrier Mango Airlines is now headed for closure after its last potential investor, Ubuntu Air, withdrew from the rescue deal.

The airline, grounded since July 2021 and in business rescue for four years, had pinned its hopes on the transaction to return to the skies.

In June this year, there were signs of revival, with Mango opening a verification portal for passengers holding old tickets and vouchers, while talks with investors suggested a possible restart.

That optimism has now faded. The investor’s withdrawal on 31 July 2025, coupled with legal delays and a court ruling against the rescue plan, has left the Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs) with little choice but to initiate a structured wind-down process.

Industry analysts say this marks the end of a turbulent chapter for the once-popular budget carrier, which had offered affordable travel to thousands of South Africans before being grounded.

The structured wind-down aims to maximize payouts to creditors, avoiding the harsher consequences of outright liquidation.

For passengers and creditors still holding claims, the BRPs are expected to provide further guidance in the coming weeks.

Mango Airlines’ collapse underscores the difficulties facing South Africa’s aviation sector, where rising costs, regulatory hurdles, and investor uncertainty have made survival for low-cost operators increasingly challenging.

Also Read

Tesla and Samsung Forge $16.5 Billion Chip Pact

Telkom Unveils New Logo and Brand Identity in Strategic Repositioning Drive