Mango has issued an apology for the confusion caused to passengers and the travel community by its recent communications about the situation resulting from the shortage of testing kits in Zanzibar.

‘Island in the sea of confusion’ was published on December 10 and outlined how a shortage of testing kits in Zanzibar had created a situation in which contradictory airline advisories had been issued on how best to deal with the need for a valid negative COVID PCR test before returning home to South Africa.

“Mango acknowledges and apologises for the confusion the recent communications caused to our passengers and travel community at large,” said the airline in a statement sent to Tourism Update.

The airline also said the following:

• “On December 3 the new Gazette was issued.
• The 14-day stipulation (as alluded to in the article) – was interpreted in such a way, that if passengers were headed through the borders more than once, i.e. out and in, that they would be classified as a frequent flyer as per the definition provided.
• Mango checked on the understanding of this definition with a Department of Health official who additionally proof-read our statement for passengers before distribution.
• We thereafter updated our information page. Errors in the interpretation came to light with the arrival (in SA) of our Zanzibar flight on the afternoon of December 8.
• It must also be noted that some of the passengers on board this flight already had SA PCR test results (prior to flying out).
• While Mango has made every effort to correct this and communicate the update effectively, we are also aware of some passengers who did take up the suggestion, as related in our communication, for the flight to Zanzibar on the 8^th. As part of our mitigation, we will ensure we assist any passenger affected by our suggestion, who travelled to Zanzibar on the 8^th, on their return.”

Mango’s latest update under ‘Zanzibar Passenger Information’ on its website confirms that a negative PCR, not older than 72 hours, is required for entry into South Africa.

“This is applicable to all passengers arriving in SA, even frequent flyers. Note that the gazette stipulation of a PCR test being valid for 14 days is only applicable after the first arrival into South Africa with a test that is not older than 72 hours,” states the airline.