Passengers travelling through East London are being urged to plan ahead after a combination of poor weather and technical constraints disrupted flight operations at King Phalo Airport.
Image: SA-V
Delays, cancellations and diversions have affected multiple routes in recent days. At the centre of the issue is a temporary reduction in the airport’s landing capability, coinciding with adverse weather conditions across the Eastern Cape.
The airport remains open, but operations are not running at full capacity.
Why flights are being affected
The disruption is the result of two overlapping factors. Periods of low visibility, rain and strong winds have made safe landings more difficult. At the same time, a key navigation system used to guide aircraft during approach and landing is currently offline as part of an upgrade process.
This system is essential during poor weather, as it allows pilots to land safely when visibility is limited. Without it, aircraft must rely on visual conditions. When those conditions deteriorate, flights cannot proceed safely.
Airlines such as FlySafair and Airlink have confirmed operational disruptions, with flights subject to delays, diversions or cancellations depending on daily weather conditions.
What travellers can expect
For now, travellers should prepare for ongoing disruptions, particularly during periods of bad weather.
In some cases, flights have been diverted to nearby airports or cancelled entirely. This has led to missed connections and changes to travel plans at short notice.
The navigation system upgrade is expected to take several weeks. During this period, the airport’s ability to handle flights in low visibility will remain limited. While the situation is frustrating in the short term, the upgrade forms part of a broader effort to improve long-term safety and efficiency.
Until the work is complete, flexibility will be essential. Travellers flying to or from East London should check flight statuses regularly, allow extra time, and prepare for possible last-minute changes.
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