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- Statement from Menzies
Summary
- Menzies was evicted from Windhoek Airport, causing flight disruptions and cancelations.
- Airlink, Eurowings Discover, and Qatar Airways were among the airlines affected by the disruptions.
- The eviction followed a legal battle between Menzies and the Namibia Airports Company, and Paragon has taken over as the new ground handler.
Ground handling service provider Menzies was evicted from Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) on August 19 and replaced by Paragon, leading to several flight disruptions. Some flights to Windhoek were canceled, while others were diverted to other airports.
UPDATE: 2023/08/29 12:37 EST BY TATENDA KARUWA
Statement from Menzies
"Menzies is currently operating under a new agreement at Hosea Kutako International Airport "HKIA" in Namibia, which it entered into with the Namibian Airports Company Limited "NAC" on 30 June 2022. As a long-standing aviation services provider at H.K.I.A airport, where we have been operational since June 2014, we are not only entitled by law but also obliged to continue to provide ground-handling services in accordance with the highest international standards. 
There have been some inaccurate statements in the media about the current matter and Menzies’ position at HKIA. On 19 August 2023, we were denied possession to HKIA and launched an urgent application on that day in the High Court of Namibia to regain possession and to enable our team to return to their duties and serve our airline customers. The judgment is expected on 1 September 2023. In the meantime, we continue to be denied possession, which has impacted our airline customers as flights have been disrupted, cargo cannot be distributed, and lost baggage cannot be reunited with passengers.
Menzies strongly believes that HKIA deserves to be served by a leading global aviation services provider that is a trusted partner of choice to the world’s airlines and airports. We are an industry leader in safety and continually invest in our operations and our people. We are committed to our Namibian employees, providing them with industry-leading training and career opportunities.
We have a strong commitment to due process and have a track record of complying with the law across all the 60 countries where we are operational, and that is why we will continue to engage with the Namibia legal system for a resolution of this matter for the benefit of the Namibian people, our airline customers, and their passengers."
Flight disruptions at WDH
Airlink was one of the carriers that faced significant disruptions to its operations in Windhoek over the weekend. The airline apologized to its customers and sent a team from Johannesburg to assist with handling its flights to and from Windhoek. Airlink said in a statement;
"We are alive to the situation at the airport where all operations are being affected. They follow the eviction of ground handling company Menzies and its overnight replacement by Paragon, a new service provider. While the delays are beyond Airlink’s control, to avoid bottlenecks and minimize delays, this morning, we deployed a team of personnel from Johannesburg to Windhoek to assist with the handling of our flights to and from the Namibian capital."
The South African carrier operates up to four daily Embraer E190 flights between Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) and Windhoek. This is supported by three daily E190 flights from Cape Town International (CPT) to WDH.
Germany's Eurowings Discover, which operates Airbus A330 flights from Frankfurt Airport (FRA), also faced significant disruptions following the eviction of Menzies. Its flight 4Y132, meant to land at WDH at 08:05 on August 18, was diverted to JNB, while other flights were canceled.
Similarly, Qatar Airways' Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight from Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) on August 19 had to be diverted to JNB. Flight QR1373 departed DOH at 02:38 and was scheduled to arrive at WDH at 09:55.
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Menzies ceases operations at WDH
Menzies stopped providing services at WDH on August 18 and was evicted the following day after a long-standing legal battle with the Namibia Airports Company (NAC).
According to NAC's statement, Menzies signed a five-year contract with the airport in 2014 to provide ground-handling services at WDH. The agreement lapsed on December 31, 2021, and was subject to the right of renewal for a three-year period. Prior to the termination date, new bids were invited, and both parties agreed to a six-month extension until June 30, 2022.
Paragon's application was successful during the bidding process, while Menzies' was denied on the grounds of non-compliance with certain lender conditions. As such, Menzies was meant to vacate NAC premises by the date agreed in the extension. On May 27, 2022, the Namibian company filed an application in the High Court seeking an order to evacuate the ground handler.
The High Court ruled in favor of NAC and ordered Menzies to cease operations at WDH on June 30, 2022. Menzies appealed the ruling, but the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal with costs on June 9, 2023. Following a series of court battles between Menzies, NAC, and Paragon, the court stood by its decision, and Menzies was given a notice to vacate NAC premises by September 10.
Paragon takes over ground handling at WDH
Although it caused disruptions for airlines, the eviction of Menzies allowed Paragon to commence ground handling services at the Windhoek Airport. The Namibia Airports Company has urged stakeholders to cooperate with Paragon as the legitimate ground handler at the airport.
The new ground handler took over on August 19, and according to Observer Namibia, operations have been running smoothly. Although it is unclear how efficient the service has been, NAC will continue working with Paragon and relevant stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition.
What do you think about the eviction of Menzies from Windhoek? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
Source: Observer Namibia