Several airports in South Africa have been affected by the suspension of air traffic navigation procedures due to non-compliance with regulations. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) confirmed that the Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) was audited in accordance with SA Civil Aviation Regulations, during which non-compliance with maintaining each flight approval procedure as prescribed was found. The ATNS was required to submit a Corrective Action Plan demonstrating the mitigation of safety risks resulting from this non-compliance. While some of the mitigations were deemed acceptable, mitigation measures for all the affected procedures had not been submitted by the ATNS. As a result, SACAA suspended those procedures until a satisfactory level of aviation safety is achieved. The airports affected by this decision include Bram Fischer International Airport (Mangaung), Cape Town International Airport (Western Cape), King Phalo International Airport (Eastern Cape), George Airport (Western Cape), Kimberley Airport (Kimberley), Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Gqeberha), Pietermaritzburg Airport (KZN), Pilanesburg Airport (North West), Polokwane International Airport (Limpopo), Richards Bay Airport (KZN), and Upington Airport (Northern Cape).
The suspension of affected procedures has already caused delays at some airports on Wednesday, according to an industry insider. An affected procedure could include the instrument landing system (ILS), which is usually used when visibility is poor. However, planes will still be able to land in good visual conditions. The suspension period is “very fluid” and depends on the ATNS submitting measures that, after being evaluated, mitigate safety risk. SACAA emphasised that the safety of passengers, crews, and aircraft is paramount and must be prioritised at all times, adding that disruptions resulting from enforcement actions are unfortunate.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a specialised agency of the United Nations created to promote the safe and orderly development of civil aviation worldwide, is currently conducting a 12-day Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) audit of SA’s civil aviation safety system and oversight capabilities. The audit concludes on 3 April 2023.
Airlink, a South African airline, announced on Thursday afternoon that its operations at the airports in Pietermaritzburg and Richards Bay had been disrupted by the suspension of certain instrument-assisted flight approaches, which came into effect on Tuesday. The airline emphasised that it would never compromise the safety and wellbeing of its passengers, crews, and aircraft and was doing its best to minimise any disruptions and delays. Airlink CEO and Managing Director Rodger Foster urged the responsible aeronautical agencies to quickly restore full air navigation services at the affected airports.
In conclusion, the suspension of air traffic navigation procedures at several South African airports due to non-compliance is causing delays and disruptions. While the SACAA has suspended affected procedures to mitigate safety risks, the suspension period is “very fluid” and depends on the ATNS submitting measures that ensure aviation safety. The ICAO is currently conducting an audit of SA’s civil aviation safety system and oversight capabilities, emphasising the importance of the safe and orderly development of civil aviation worldwide. Meanwhile, Airlink is working to minimise disruptions and delays and urges aeronautical agencies to restore full air navigation services at the affected airports.
