South African air traffic control has been suspended at these airports

Flights to certain airports may be disrupted this week due to South African Air Traffic Control’s suspension of instrument-based approaches. According to BusinessLive, Air Traffic Control (ATNS) suspended certain procedures for all instrument-based approaches on Friday last week.

SOUTH AFRICAN AIR TRAFFIC NAVIGATION SERVICES

According to the report, this disruption will affect smaller airports in South Africa. In particular 177 Scheduled flights to airports where instrument approaches are no longer possible. These airports include:

• George.
• Kimberley, this is Kimberley’s mother.
• Polokwane.
• Mthatha.
• Upington.
• East London.
• Richard’s Bay.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s two largest airports will not be left untouched. Both OR Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport will have only one approved instrument runway, according to the report.

PART OF ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

In a statement last week, the South African Air Navigation Service (ATNS) said it was carrying out routine maintenance. The program provides for instrument-based flight procedures and during the suspension, pilots can continue to conduct visual approaches in favourable weather conditions. However, visual approaches may not be permitted at night or in poor weather. “As part of the process, procedures will be reviewed and updated to comply with ICAO’s current Pan-Ops criteria,” ATNS said.

“With regard to our safety management system, procedures that do not meet the requirements will be suspended. ATNS will ensure an expedited maintenance review process to minimize safety impact and operational delays to flights. We will accelerate activities to ensure a rapid lifting of the suspension and expect appropriate assurance of a positive outcome,” ATNS concluded.

TAKING LONGER THAN EXPECTED

However, according to the report, these procedures took longer than expected. Airlink CEO Rodger Foster said his airline would do its best to stick to its schedule, but it was possible that flights would be delayed or – in the worst case scenario – cancelled. Meanwhile, Cemair CEO Miles van der Molen expected the suspension of South Africa’s air traffic control to have a significant impact. Flights to George would most likely be affected due to the poor weather in the region at this time of year.

South Africa’s largest domestic airline, Flysafair, was also concerned about the impact of the weather-related suspension. “We have some concerns but will keep our customers informed of any expected impacts depending on the weather,” said Kirby Gordon, marketing manager at Flysafair.

ARE YOU FLYING TO ONE OF THESE AIRPORTS?

If so, have you encountered any issues? Let us know by clicking the comments tab below or by sending an email to [email protected]You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Don’t forget to follow @DieSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest social media updates.