SA Airlink could be grounded after one of its aircraft skidded off the runway at George airport, says Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele.

SA Airlink could be grounded after one of its aircraft skidded off the runway at George airport, says Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele.

Speaking at the launch of the festive season's Arrive Alive campaign in the Eastern Cape yesterday, Ndebele said the company was being closely monitored.

"The SA Civil Aviation Authority is auditing the maintenance, operating procedures and pilot training for the airline."

The plane went off the end of the runway in wet weather on Monday and came to a halt on a road near the N2 freeway. Three people were treated for minor injuries.

"We are concerned over the incident and we are considering grounding SA Airlink," he said.

"We will not compromise our people's lives, whether they travel by air, road, rail or sea. We will deal with such incidents and accidents decisively." - Sapa