Fire safety concerns have prompted the closure of the sole airport serving St Helena, a British overseas territory located in the Atlantic Ocean.

Following inspections that revealed the airport's fire-fighting equipment did not comply with international standards, local authorities have declared a major incident, resulting in the suspension of airport operations.

As the island's main transportation hub, the airport plays a critical role in connecting St Helena, which is situated approximately 1,200 miles off the coast of south-west Africa and has a population of around 4,000 residents.

Although certain exceptions have been made for emergency flights, such as medical evacuations, all scheduled passenger flights have been cancelled, with officials indicating that normal service will not resume before 20 February.

The UK government has been informed of the situation, and a dedicated team has been established on the island to address the issues and work towards restoring airport operations.

The suspension of flights has left island residents grounded, while tourists are incurring extra expenses for food and lodging due to the prolonged wait for alternative travel arrangements.

Since its launch in 2016, the UK-funded airport, which cost £285m to develop, has been plagued by issues, prompting an MP review that year to conclude that British taxpayers had not received a satisfactory return on their investment.

The airport has struggled to operate commercial flights reliably, with strong winds being a recurring problem, and was criticized by the Public Accounts Committee as a costly underutilized asset.

During a recent press conference, Governor Nigel Phillips announced that technical issues have arisen with the airport's fire engines, compromising the airport's ability to provide adequate fire protection.

Governor Phillips further stated that the airport's fire suppression capabilities are also inadequate, citing a lack of sufficient fire suppressant to respond effectively to an aircraft emergency if needed.

St Helena spans approximately 47 square miles, or 121 square kilometers, making it comparable in size to Jersey, located in the Channel Islands.

The recent incident may have repercussions for local businesses and the tourism sector, which has gained significant importance in the island's economy following the construction of the airport.

A notable upcoming event on the island is the marathon scheduled for February 22, billed as the most remote marathon globally.

Individuals affected by the closure have been instructed by the government to reach out to their respective airlines and travel insurance providers.

BBC News has conducted interviews with several individuals who have been impacted by the closure, gathering their accounts and experiences.

A resident of Gloucestershire, Hugh traveled to St Helena in January with his girlfriend for a three-week family visit, but their return to the UK remains uncertain.

According to Hugh, they are scheduled to depart St Helena on 15 February, with planned layovers in Johannesburg before arriving in the UK.

So far, Hugh has not received any updates from Airlink or British Airways regarding the status of their flights.

The lack of information is hindering their ability to make alternative travel arrangements, as they are unaware of when the airport is expected to reopen.

Hugh expressed concern over the financial implications of the situation, citing the additional expenses he may incur due to the uncertainty surrounding their travel plans.

Further expenses are a concern, with potential new flights costing £3,000, and travel insurance extensions priced at £90 for 45 days or £190 for longer periods. Additionally, accommodation costs in Johannesburg must be factored into the equation.

The couple has already utilized most of their allotted leave for this trip and may now be forced to take unpaid leave to accommodate the changed circumstances.

Ongoing financial commitments, including a mortgage, combined with the general cost of living, are contributing to the significant financial burden they face.

Cheryl Tingler, a Florida resident, was traveling with her husband Joe when they learned about the airport closure upon their arrival in Cape Town, South Africa, a stopover en route to St Helena, where they intended to lay her father's ashes to rest.

According to Cheryl Tingler, news of the airport closure reached her shortly after checking into the hotel, via a friend who informed her of the development.

A trip was organized in memory of my father, who passed away due to prostate cancer in 2024.

During the final year of his life, my father resided with us in the United States.

In accordance with his expressed desires, arrangements were made to return his ashes to his hometown of St Helena.

According to Cheryl, the family is awaiting updates on their accommodation, stating: "The travel agency has offered to assist us in securing accommodation in Cape Town, but our current checkout is scheduled for tomorrow morning, Tuesday."

As retirees, the plan is to remain on St Helena until May, although the current situation is causing significant anxiety.

Melissa and Nigel James, residents of Northamptonshire, had planned to return to the UK on Tuesday, but their departure has been delayed due to the airport closure, forcing them to extend their stay on St Helena.

According to their son Ryan, the couple's travel arrangements were disrupted by the closure, and they are facing financial strain as they cannot afford the added expenses of an extended stay or alternative flights when the airport reopens.

The situation is further complicated by the accumulation of daily living costs and the uncertainty surrounding the duration of the airport's closure, Ryan explained.

As self-employed individuals, Melissa and Nigel James will incur financial losses due to their inability to return to work in the UK, exacerbating their difficulties.

In an effort to obtain more information, Melissa James has been in contact with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, seeking guidance on the situation.

Local authorities are taking steps to mitigate the impact, with my parents receiving £20 food vouchers as part of the response.

Many visitors are experiencing similar difficulties, with extended disruptions and limited information available regarding their onward travel arrangements.