Far-flung islands where planes can’t land

SIR – It is hard to comprehend the wasteful decisions taken over the airport on St Helena, and now the apparent failure to maintain the critical airstrip on Ascension Island (report, April 18) or to plan the replacement of the RMS St Helena.

Having spent time on both St Helena and Ascension Island, and travelled on the RMS St Helena, I speak with experience and concern.

Ascension Island is a key base for military and civil travel and communication between Britain, St Helena, the Falkland Islands and the southern hemisphere. Anyone responsible for such facilities must be aware of the need for their proper maintenance. There is no excuse for such incompetence. Derek Christian Milford on Sea, Hampshire

A 19th-century engraving of St Helena, whose airport has been deemed unsafe