Possible flight delays across South Africa

 ·20 Jul 2024

Flight disruptions are expected at several of South Africa’s airports due to an air navigation compliance review process.

This is due to the Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) conducting a maintenance programme for instrument flight procedures at various airports nationwide.

On Friday night (19 July), aircraft operators received a notification from the Air Traffic Navigation Service (ATNS) stating that instrument-navigation flight approaches to George, Kimberley, Mthatha, Polokwane, and Richards Bay airports have been suspended indefinitely.

This suspension affects all aircraft flying to these airports.

Airlink issued a statement explaining that the approaches, which were originally designed, approved, and prescribed by ATNS, are currently under a compliance review of South Africa’s air navigation infrastructure and procedures.

The review is taking longer than anticipated to complete, the group said.

Airlink added that a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by ATNS on Friday advised that some flight approaches to OR Tambo International, Cape Town International, Bloemfontein, Upington, Pietermaritzburg, and East London have been suspended, but not all of them.

An ATNS spokesperson stated that these procedures align with the design criteria of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization Procedures for Air Navigation Services – Aircraft Operations (ICAO PAN-OPS), which undergo periodic changes.

The procedures are currently being reviewed and updated to align with the latest ICAO PAN-OPS criteria and technological advancements.

“Within our safety management system, any procedures that do not meet the requirements should be suspended unless the non-compliances are addressed.

“Currently, several aerodromes where we provide air traffic services are being negatively impacted, especially in terms of instrument approaches,” ATNS said.

“These aerodromes include George Airport (FAGG), Kimberly International Airport (FAKM), Upington International Airport (FAUP), King Phalo/East London Airport (FAEL), Mthatha Airport (FAUT), Polokwane International Airport (FAPP), and Richards Bay Airport (FARB).

“In cases where procedures are suspended, ATNS will conduct a maintenance review process promptly to minimize the impact on safety and operational flight delays while adhering to the mentioned standards.

“It’s important to emphasize that the maintenance program has made significant progress, and there is reasonable assurance of a positive outcome,” it added.

“ATNS is committed to upholding the highest level of safety and efficiency across the network and regrets the negative impact of these suspensions. We will fast-track activities to ensure the suspensions are lifted quickly,” it said.


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