(Posted 05th January 2026)
Airlink apologizes to customers while ATNS remains silent in the wake of constant failures
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Airlink sincerely regrets the delays caused to its flights this afternoon and this evening. We are working to recover the schedule and ensure that all passengers reach their intended destinations as soon as possible.
The delays stem from the Air Traffic Navigation Service’s (ATNS) failure to ensure it has sufficient staff to accommodate and manage the normal scheduled traffic to and from Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport today.
In addition, a number of departure and arrival instrument flight procedures for O.R. Tambo International remain suspended, including some withdrawn as recently as 09 December, after ATNS failed to renew their validity before they expired.
Today’s schedule disruptions have had a ripple effect on all of our flights. In addition to departure delays from O.R. Tambo International, the shortage of air traffic controllers prompted a restriction on the number of flights permitted to be in Johannesburg’s airspace at any given time. This required the diversion of some flights to other airports, including Gaborone and Durban, leaving us with aircraft and flight crews out of position. Rest assured, we are working to resolve all of the delays as quickly as ATNS can accommodate us.
For updates on the status of flights, please check the Flight Info section on the FlyAirlink app, visit FlyAirlink.com, or refer to the departures and arrivals screens at airports.
This is a developing and fluid situation completely beyond Airlink’s control, and we are grateful for your patience and understanding.
