Mango
A South African low-cost airline built around domestic Boeing 737-800 services, Mango connected four major cities before suspending operations in 2021.
About Mango
Mango was founded in 2006 as a low-cost airline and operated as a subsidiary of state-owned South African Airways. Its bright orange identity distinguished it from its full-service parent, while its business model focused on affordable, single-cabin travel within South Africa. The carrier used the IATA code JE and the ICAO code MNO.
Johannesburg was Mango's principal operating hub, complemented by substantial departures from Cape Town and Durban. Its network comprised 10 routes serving four South African destinations: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Bloemfontein. These services concentrated on heavily travelled domestic corridors rather than international markets, with Cape Town to Durban forming the airline's longest nonstop route.
Mango operated Boeing 737-800 aircraft, a widely used narrow-body type suited to short and medium domestic sectors. Cabins were configured for economy-class travel, with the fare structure and optional services reflecting its low-cost positioning. Travellers generally needed to pay close attention to the inclusions attached to their selected fare, particularly for checked baggage and other extras.
Mango was not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld and did not maintain a standalone frequent-flyer programme of its own. Its relationship with South African Airways created historical links to the SAA Voyager ecosystem, but eligibility and benefits depended on the applicable partnership rules rather than alliance-wide privileges. Travellers should not assume that standard SAA or Star Alliance benefits apply.
The airline's compact network was a practical strength, offering straightforward links among several of South Africa's most important commercial and leisure centres. However, Mango suspended flights in July 2021 amid financial difficulties and entered business rescue. Its prolonged operational uncertainty means travellers should verify that flights are genuinely on sale and operating before making plans or relying on older schedules.
Good to know
Flying with Mango — what to expect
Operations Remain Suspended
Mango suspended flights in July 2021. Confirm the airline's current operating status before relying on old schedules, route maps or booking links.
Domestic Network
The airline's network focused on South African services linking Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Bloemfontein. It did not operate a broad international network.
Low-Cost Fare Rules
Fare inclusions can be narrower than on a full-service carrier. Check the applicable conditions for checked baggage, changes, cancellations and seat selection before paying.
Economy Cabin Only
Mango's Boeing 737-800 aircraft were configured around economy-class travel. Travellers should not expect a traditional business-class cabin or alliance lounge benefits.
Check Cabin Baggage
Cabin-baggage limits can vary by fare rules and may be enforced at check-in or boarding. Consult the airline's current published allowance before packing.
Network overview
Where Mango flies
Mango operates 10 routes to 4 destinations across 1 countries, its longest sector reaching Cape Town to Durban (1,277 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Mango flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Cape Town → Durban
1,277 km · CPT → DUR
The longest sector in the Mango network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Mango
Reviews of Mango
TripAdvisor · 2020–2021- 59
- 48
- 35
- 24
- 124
What travellers flew
Counted from the 50 reviews below — a tally of the flights reviewed, with each chip carrying the average score those reviewers gave. Nothing here reads their prose or summarises what they said.
✓ marks a group averaging 7/10 or better, − one averaging 4/10 or worse, across at least three reviews.
This company is a scam. Stay away!
This company is a scam. This airline canceled my flight for August 3rd the night before we were supposed to fly out with NO NOTIFICATION… no email, no text. If we didn’t try checking in the night before there would have been no way of knowing. Instead we had… See more to pay $800 each with a different airline last minute to fly between Johannesburg to Cape Town in SA. The customer service is absolutely terrible. When we called for a refund they said over the phone, no problem, just send us an email and we will work on your refund. I’ve been emailing the customer service representative, Chantel, for the last two hours who will only give me credit. This is illegal and unacceptable. I will be contacting my bank and the local department of transportation. I will not allow this company to steal money and just throw credit for an airline that’s not in service.
See lessPosted August 2021 by AFarraj2, Brooklyn
FlyMango has stolen my money
They have cancelled flights to Zanzibar and are refusing to refund my cash i paid but give me vouchers im not even able to use or book alternate flights their service is pathetic its absurd that they dont wanna give me my money
Posted May 2021 by Jean C
Incompetent/Useless
Don't fly I repeat don't fly with this unapologetic, coward management company who hide in their offices instead of telling you the truth so you can try salvage your holiday
Posted April 2021 by Dylan, Cape Town Central
Conference Tour Bookings
Malcom Auto Mechanics Bookings at the meeting of all Southern Mechanics appreciated the flight services on board.
Posted February 2021 by Dumangamandla Tours, Durban
Compliments
I would like to thank Mango airlines for their great service and effeciency, I wish I had the name of the flight attended who ensured that all regulations were followed as she definitely took pride in her work! Well done!!
Posted November 2020 by Ruben Landsberg
Was very smooth flight.
The flight was good, the seating was a little cramped but it was not too bad. It was still a very good flight and was very clean.
Posted August 2020 by Greg Cook
Traveller reviews originally published on TripAdvisor, shown for reference — service standards may have changed since. Originfacts does not edit or verify individual reviews, and the sample reflects who chose to leave one.
More from South Africa
Other airlines based in South Africa
FAQ
Mango — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. Availability will depend on whether Mango flights are currently operating and offered by booking partners.
- Mango applies cabin-baggage limits under its fare and baggage rules, but travellers should confirm the current size and weight allowance directly before departure. Do not assume another South African Airways group's policy applies.
- Mango serves exactly 4 destinations across 1 country, operating 10 routes within South Africa.
- Mango's network serves Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Bloemfontein within South Africa. The airline suspended operations in 2021, so travellers should confirm whether any service has resumed before booking.
- Mango's longest route is Cape Town to Durban, covering about 1,277 km nonstop.
- The busiest departure cities are Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Bloemfontein, in that order by number of routes.
- Johannesburg was Mango's primary hub, with Cape Town, Durban and Bloemfontein also serving as important departure points in its domestic network.
- When flights are available, lower fares are generally easier to find by booking early, travelling outside holidays and peak business periods, and comparing midweek departures. Verify the airline's operational status before purchasing.