The carrier, based at Johannesburg, had its operating licence suspended “indefinitely” by the South African Civil Aviation Authority on Sunday.

In a statement, Comair said: “This is despite the airline working through the night to provide documentation the SACAA had requested following a review of certain policies, systems and procedures.”

It added: “Comair was advised of a 24-hours suspension to its licence on the morning of 12 March. That afternoon the CAA requested additional information, which Comair provided overnight and into the early morning of 13 March 2022.”

The grounding also affects low-cost sister airline Kulula and comes at a time when South African Airways has cut many routes as it struggles to return to profit. 

Glenn Orsmond, Comair chief executive, said: “This is a huge blow to our customers, employees and the flying public as it effectively takes 40% of the capacity out of the market. The implications for the aviation sector and the country are considerable should the suspension continue for any length of time.”

Comair said that for customers on British Airways (operated by Comair) flights, BA’s booking with confidence policy will apply. 

Comair operated from Johannesburg to Mauritius as well as a domestic network. Pre-Covid, Comair also operated to the remote island of St Helena.