Important announcement regarding travel to and from Ascension Island

1 May 2017

Government

TRAVEL BY AIR: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is re-routing the South Atlantic Airbridge via an alternative location.  This is because the Airbus A330 Voyager aircraft used on the route between RAF Brize Norton, Ascension Island and the Falkland Islands is too heavy to land at Ascension Island.  The decision to re-route means the South Atlantic Airbridge will no longer call at Ascension Island en route to the Falkland Islands for the foreseeable future.
 
The MOD and Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) are working with the Ascension Island Government to determine the feasibility of interim options to enable the movement of passengers to and from Ascension.  This work will take some time to complete.  At this stage, it is likely that any interim measure that may be put in place would allow for the transportation of essential personnel and goods only.
 
Ascension Island Travel Agency are unable to say when regular flights to and from Ascension Island may resume, or when any interim arrangement may be put in place.   We do not expect South Atlantic Airbridge flights (operating with the Voyager aircraft) to recommence before 2019/20. Unfortunately, in light of this, we have no choice but to inform passengers that all RAF flights to or from Ascension Island on the Voyager are cancelled until further notice.
 
Ascension Island Travel Agency are liaising with all passengers with live bookings to advise them about this decision and to process refunds where applicable.  For further information or clarification, please contact flight.bookings@ascension.gov.ac in the first instance.
 
 
TRAVEL BY SEA: Travellers wishing to visit Ascension Island are advised that the only regular service to and from Ascension Island is via the Royal Mail Ship St Helena.  Further information about the RMS St Helena schedule and fares are can be found at: http://rms-st-helena.com/schedulesfares/ or from the Travel & Shipping Office at the Pierhead, in person or on +(247) 66244.
 
 
AITA acknowledge and apologise for the disruption and inconvenience that this will likely cause for travellers planning to visit Ascension Island in the coming months.  You are advised to talk to your travel insurance provider at the earliest opportunity should you have bookings for connecting flights or accommodation.
 
Ascension Island Travel Agency 28 April 2017