Mango Airlines customers who used their hard-earned cash to buy tickets before the company went into business rescue are not happy about being told to hold on to their vouchers. They want their money back!
On April 28, passengers who booked flights operated by Mango Airlines were left stranded at airports around South Africa after the airline was grounded. No information was immediately forthcoming regarding the state of the airline.
The company was placed into business rescue at the end of July.
“What we can say is that the board and shareholders have agreed that Mango will go into business rescue,” South African Airway’s interim Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Kgokoloo said. “We are currently in consultation with our key stakeholders in terms how we can manage that particular process.”
In the most recent update on the Mango Airlines social media channels, the company confirmed it remains under business rescue until further notice.
“All unflown tickets and their values, whether booked directly or via an agent/third party, will be retained and vouchers will be issued to be used in future when the airline is operational or treated as a claim in the business rescue process.
“During this period, customers are encouraged to make alternative flying arrangements till further notice.Our call centres continue to remain unavailable for now. Any further communication will be communicated to customers via our website and social media as it becomes available.We apologise for the inconvenience caused.We thank you for your patience and commitment to the Mango brand. Mango Airlines SOC Ltd BR Practitioner, Mr. Sipho Sono,” read the announcement.
The news has sent Mango ticket holders into a tailspin, with them asking the airline for a full refund so they can travel again. According to them, they used money to buy tickets and cannot wait any longer for the company to refund them. They were very clear that they don’t want vouchers in exchange for their cash.
“But this is not a customer cancelling or changing their flights. This is a issue on ur part, so why do u want to issue vouchers. U must refund the customers in cash so that they may book with other airlines. U cant expect these people to wait for u to get ur ducks in a row before they can attend business meetings or visit family.Disgusting! I wont even use u when ur back to fully operating again,” said one Facebook user.
“After months, you come and tell us about vouchers. I did not use a voucher to pay for my flight, I used cash and I want my refund back in cash,” commented another.
“I have a voucher but I cannot use it. What is the point of this message. I want my 5k back to be able to use that to buy another ticket with a reliable airline,” explained a ticket holder.
“Another airline gets away with taking well earned money, sure a voucher for an index ticket…sad, there should be laws around this!”
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