Suspended air traffic navigation procedures cause flight delays

Posted on 31 March 2023 By Jordyn Johnson

Certain airports experienced flight delays on Wednesday, 29 March after the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) suspended several traffic navigation procedures.

Picture: GettyImages

One such procedure that could have been suspended is the instrument landing system, which is necessary during poor visibility.

SACAA’s routine audit of the Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) found that not all flight maintenance had complied with the prescribed procedures. Over 10 airports were suspended for non-compliance. SACAA told News24 that they will have to submit a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) ‘demonstrating the mitigation of safety risks that emanates from this non-compliance.’

The suspension of affected procedures is fluid and dependent on the time it takes ATNS to submit their safety risk mitigation measures.

The SACAA ‘does not take such actions lightly. Disruptions that may be encountered resulting from enforcement actions are unfortunate. However, upholding the country’s aviation safety remains paramount and must remain prioritised at all times.’

Passengers are advised to prepare for possible delays in the coming days.

Affected airports include Cape Town International Airport, George Airport (Western Cape), King Phalo International Airport, Chief Dawid Stuurman Internation Airport (Eastern Cape), Kimberly Airport, Bram Fischer International Airport (Free State), Pietermaritzburg Airport, Richards Bay Airport (KZN), Pilansburg Airport (North West), Polokwane International Airport (Limpopo). and Upington Airport (Northern Cape).

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