Mayotte's airport is set to reopen on January 1, 2025, following the disruptive aftermath of Cyclone Chido, which struck just weeks prior. Local airlines are beginning to resume flight operations, with Corsair announcing last-minute changes and flight availability to combat the effects of the cyclone.
Following Air Austral's lead, Corsair is eager to start its service again, declaring, “Flights are now open for sale,” with tickets available immediately. The airline confirmed it will contact affected passengers via email to inform them of the flight resumption details.
Effective immediately, both Corsair and Air Austral have rolled out what they refer to as “exceptional and flexible measures” for passengers with booked flights to and from Mayotte, aiming to alleviate the travel disruptions caused by the natural disaster. Corsair emphasizes its commitment to customers during this recovery phase. Travelers can reach customer service through these numbers: 0800 94 10 08 (toll-free from Paris) or 01 70 39 22 10 (toll-free from Mayotte and La Réunion).
While Corsair’s agencies on La Réunion and its office in Mamoudzou, Mayotte, remain open for business, those situated within the airports have been closed until the travel situation stabilizes. The Dzaoudzi airport, which has faced considerable damage, is currently inaccessible to passengers without valid travel documents.
According to Corsair’s latest communication, all previous flight routes will revert to their initial schedules. Key flights include the SS772 from Paris, scheduled to depart at 8:50 PM on December 31, 2024, culminating with the SS773 featuring its departure from Mayotte appearing on January 1, 2025, at 4:10 PM. The regional connection from La Réunion will also commence, departing on January 1, 2025, at 1:05 PM, with the return flight also scheduled for later the same day.
Highlighted within Corsair’s updates is their adapted commercial policy, ensuring all affected travelers receive individualized treatment concerning refunds and post-cyclone schedules. These new measures of flexibility are set to remain effective until March 31, 2025, providing ease for passengers facing complications with their bookings.
Travelers are encouraged to stay updated through the airline's customer service to ascertain their travel alternatives and feel reassured by the newly instated policies.
Correspondingly, with Mayotte's flight operations slowly resuming, the situation serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of aviation networks even when faced with such formidable natural challenges. Despite the turmoil caused by Cyclone Chido, both Corsair and Air Austral are prioritizing passenger safety and travel security as they gradually return to business.