The historic South Atlantic island of St. Helena, a British possession so remote that it was chosen as Napoleon’s escape-proof exile, has a brand-new first-ever airport, its first, but planes are unable to land there because of wind conditions, including persistent wind shear.
The $400 million airport was intended to make the island self-sustaining by opening a tourism industry. At present, the island relies on $40 million in subsidies from the British government. The only way to reach the island is a 5-day voyage on the RMS St Helena, which makes occasional mail, passenger and freight runs from Cape Town, South Africa.
That’s why the local tourist board says “getting to St Helena is part of the attraction; it is an adventure all in itself!” Hmmm…a little like Cunard’s old “Getting there is half the fun?”
So, while the airport is technically open, and a few test and emergency flights have used it, commercial service has been postponed “indefinitely” while a solution is sought. And the career of the RMS St Helena, which was supposed to end this month has been extended—”indefinitely.”
Photo: British air test flight at St Helena Airport
I can’t believe the wind is a new thing, although I suppose it can vary in intensity from season to season and even year to year. You’d think some engineer would have investigated this before the investment of $400 million!
Project planned and completed by an obscure government department 15,000 miles away. More explanation needed? I’d almost bet the locals could have set them straight if not for the desire not to jeopardize the construction ever happening…