When Flights Pause, The Business Community Rises: How St Helena Turned Disruption into Hospitality
Travelling to St Helena Airport is unlike arriving anywhere else in the world. As one of the most remote inhabited islands on earth, air access is not just convenient — it is vital. So when the airport experienced a temporary suspension of scheduled commercial flights due to certification requirements linked to firefighting and rescue category standards, it understandably created uncertainty for both residents and visitors.
The temporary downgrade meant the airport could not support regular commercial services while essential equipment and compliance matters were addressed. For visitors already on island, this resulted in extended stays that were completely unexpected. Yet, if there is anywhere to be “stranded,” few places compare to Saint Helena — dramatic landscapes, rich history, warm weather, and perhaps most importantly, warm people.
Stranded… But in the Best Possible Place
For many travellers, being unable to leave a destination can be stressful. Flights cancelled, onward connections disrupted, family and work commitments affected. However, what unfolded on St Helena was a powerful reminder of the island’s character.
Saints — the proud people of St Helena — along with local businesses, moved quickly to ensure visitors were not left feeling isolated or forgotten. In collaboration with St Helena Tourism and the St Helena Government (SHG), activities were organised, experiences extended, and opportunities created to keep guests engaged and enjoying their additional time on island.
Rather than days spent waiting, visitors found themselves discovering more of St Helena than they had originally planned — walking trails, heritage sites, local Coffee, and the St Helena community daily. What could have been a difficult period became, for many, an unexpected extension of their adventure.
What have we been doing to keep our visitors moving
At Williams Taxis & Tours, we were proud to play an active role in supporting these efforts. Reliable transport became essential in ensuring visitors could participate in organised activities and continue exploring the island comfortably and safely.
Over the course of the week, we were honoured to assist with several key movements arranged in partnership with St Helena Tourism:
Sunday: We provided transport for a group heading out to the scenic Blue Point Postbox walk. After enjoying the coastal views and the novelty of the Blue Point Stamp, from one of the island’s iconic remote postboxes, guests were safely returned to their accommodation — relaxed, smiling, and grateful for the experience.
Monday: A trip was organised to the St Helena Golf Club, giving visitors the chance to enjoy what is widely regarded as one of the most unique golf courses in the world. Transport was coordinated to ensure guests arrived comfortably and on time, allowing them to enjoy both the sport and the spectacular surroundings .
Thursday: Later in the week, we transported a group to Wranghams Coffee Plantation for a coffee tour experience. Learning about one of the world’s most exclusive coffee productions while overlooking the island’s lush landscape turned an unexpected delay into a memorable highlight.
In each case, our role went beyond simple point-to-point transfers.
We understand that in times of uncertainty, reassurance and reliability matter.
We ensured visitors felt informed, comfortable, and well looked after — sharing local knowledge, answering questions, and helping them see more of the island than they may have originally planned via the Tourist Office’s planned activities.
