(Posted 2oth July 2024)
Also affected are O.R. Tambo International, Cape Town International, Bloemfontein, Upington, Pietermaritzburg and East London where however alternative approaches are available, minimising the impact of the ATNS decision
South Africa’s Air Traffic Navigation Service (ATNS) notified Airlink and all other aircraft operators last night that procedures for all instrument-navigation flight approaches to George, Kimberley, Mthatha, Polokwane and Richards Bay airports have been suspended indefinitely.
The suspensions affect all aircraft flying to those airports. The approaches, which were all originally designed, approved and prescribed by ATNS, are subject to a compliance review of South Africa’s air navigation infrastructure and procedures which is unfortunately taking longer than anticipated to complete.
Under the suspension, pilots may fly visual approaches in favourable weather conditions. However, at night or during cloudy, misty or rainy weather approaches may not always be permissible.
“Airlink will do its best to operate all of its flights and to maintain its schedule, however it is possible that some of our flights may be delayed or, in the worst case, cancelled. We apologise in advance to any customers who are inconvenienced by this development which is beyond Airlink’s control,” said Rodger Foster, Airlink CEO and Managing Director.
“Given the disruption to our services, the inconvenience to our customers and the likely economic harm to business, trade and to tourism at those cities, Airlink has offered to assist ATNS in securing the services of international experts in airspace and approach procedure design, so that it can expedite the review and reinstate or implement new, fully-compliant procedures,” further explained Rodger Foster, Airlink CEO and Managing Director.
Last night’s Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) from ATNS also advises that some, but not all, of the flight approaches to O.R. Tambo International, Cape Town International, Bloemfontein, Upington, Pietermaritzburg and East London have also been suspended. However, these should not affect Airlink operations at those airports as alternative approaches are still available.
In the interim, Airlink advises customers travelling to those destinations to check the status of their flights using Airlink’s smartphone app or its website: www.flyairlink.com
