South African Air Traffic Navigation Services suspended at these airports

[Nat Quinn]

 

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

SOUTH AFRICAN AIR TRAFFIC NAVIGATION SERVICES

Flysafair regularly commutes to South Africa’s smaller airports. Image: File

According to the report, this disruption will affect smaller airports in South Africa. Specifically, 177 scheduled flights to airports where instrument-based flight approaches are suspended. These airports include:

• George.

• Kimberley.

• Polokwane.

• Mthatha.

• Upington.

• East London.

• Richards Bay.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s two largest airports are not go unaffected. Both OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports will only have one approved instrument-approach runway available, according to the report.

PART OF ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

Airports Company South Africa says its all part of the system’s routine maintenance. Photo ACSA/ Facebook

In a statement last week, South African Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) explained that it was conducting routine maintenance. The programme is for instrument-based flight procedures and, under the suspension, pilots will still be able to fly using visual approaches in favourable weather conditions. However, at night or in inclement weather, visual approaches may not be permissible. “As part of the process, the procedures are being reviewed and updated to meet the current ICAO Pan-Ops criteria,” said ATNS.

“In terms of our safety management system, procedures that do not meet the requirement will be suspended. ATNS will ensure an expedited maintenance review process to minimise the impact on safety and operational flight delays. We will fast-track activities to ensure speedy upliftment of the suspension, and expect a reasonable assurance of a positive outcome,” the ATNS concluded.

TAKING LONGER THAN EXPECTED

Cemair CEO Miles van der Molen believes this suspension will distupt flight schedules. Image: File

However, according to the report, these procedures were taking longer than anticipated. Airlink CEO Rodger Foster said his airline will do its best to maintain its schedule, however, it is possible that flights may be delayed or – worst-case scenario – cancelled. Meanwhile, Cemair CEO Miles van der Molen, anticipated the South African Air Traffic Navigation Services suspension will have a substantial impact. Flights to George would most likely be impacted due to the inclement weather in the region at this time of year.

Likewise, South Africa’s largest domestic airline, Flysafair, was also concerned about the effects of the suspension due to inclement weather. “We have some concerns, but we will keep customers abreast of any expected impact dependent on weather conditions,” said Kirby Gordon, chief marketing officer of Flysafair.

 

SOURCE:South African Air Traffic Navigation Services suspended at these airports (thesouthafrican.com)

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