Flying through the UK to Africa to hunt, I had a minor hiccup at Heathrow. In case you didn’t know, The Land of Hope and Glory does NOT like firearms. That may account for South African Airways’ inability to fly Americans’ firearms through London into the Dark Continent. Here’s the latest news from a Safari Club International e-mail blast:
Member Alert
Hunters/Shooters May Not Transport Firearms To/From London On South African AirwaysSCI has received information from the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa (PHASA) that effective immediately, hunters and sport shooters travelling to or from Heathrow Airport in the UK may not check their firearms on South African Airways (SAA) flights.
This prohibition is due to an administrative problem the airline is having with the renewal of their license to transport firearms into or out of Heathrow. SAA insists that it is a temporary problem and that they are working urgently to resolve the issue with the UK Police.
Until the matter is resolved, hunters and shooters with plans to travel on SAA flights through Heathrow Airport with firearms should make arrangements to fly with other airlines that do allow firearm carriage.
If you have any questions about this situation, SCI recommends that you contact SAA or PHASA (ceo@phasa.co.za) directly for more information about your options. SCI will provide updates on this issue as they become available.
Hopefully, this situation IS temporary and will be resolved quickly.
Be vigilant fellow hunters!