Mango Airlines looks set to shut down for good after its would-be investor backed out of a deal to save the low-cost carrier.
In a notice to stakeholders, Mango’s Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs) confirmed that the investor, Ubuntu Air, no longer wants to move forward.
Mango has been in business rescue since July 2021, but the recovery process has dragged on for years due to government delays, legal disputes, and uncertainty around funding.
No more investors for Mango
The airline, owned by South African Airways (SAA), had no financial support from its parent company or the state, basically leaving it dependent on finding a private investor.
Ubuntu Air was meant to take over SAA’s shares, recapitalise the airline, and restart flights.
But the deal ran into serious obstacles. The Department of Public Enterprises clashed with the BRPs, and creditors challenged the plan in court.
The rescue proposal also required creditors to accept steep losses, give up rights to future claims, and rely on a non-guaranteed payout later, something many refused.
Although Ubuntu Air initially said it would wait for the legal battles to play out, the delays became too much.
On 31 July 2025, the group officially withdrew, saying it was no longer realistic to restart operations or secure the remaining funding.
With no more investors and no other options in sight, Mango Airlines appears to be reaching the end of the runway.
Do you believe it’s actually the end for this local airline?
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