Flysafair disrupted as Kruger Mpumalanga Airport instrument procedures remain suspended

Domestic carrier Flysafair has confirmed that its flights to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) have been disrupted amid the suspension of the airport’s Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) for Runway 05.

This is a setback that aviation stakeholders attribute to the Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) missing key regulatory deadlines.

The suspension, which affects aircraft operations in poor weather conditions, comes at a crucial time as South Africa’s tourism sector gears up for the busy festive season.

"Yes, unfortunately we are affected with flights into KMIA given the suspension of those flight procedures - obviously this is only in the relevant weather conditions - when weather is clear we can get in. We are reviewing each instance as it arises," said Kirby Gordon, Flysafair chief marketing officer.

"When the weather looks set to clear such that we will be able to operate we are looking at delaying operations and departing at better times, but in instances where the weather is due to change, we have had to cancel flights."

ATNS confirmed that it has applied for an exemption from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and expects a response within the next two weeks.

"In the interim, flight operations to this airport may be disrupted, particularly during adverse weather conditions," said Mphilo Dlamini, ATNS head of corporate affairs and communications.

"As soon as the exemption application has been approved by the SACAA, the procedures will be available for operational use."

SACAA's spokesperson Sisa Majola said the authority received the instrument procedure submissions from ATNS last week and is currently reviewing them.

"Following further engagements with ATNS, the submissions are currently being reviewed," Majola said.

"As an entity mandated with ensuring aviation compliance, the SACAA validates instrument procedures that are in line with the civil aviation regulations and the ICAO prescripts in order to not compromise with airlines or at airports." 

The suspension has drawn sharp criticism from the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), which warned that the disruption could harm South Africa’s credibility as a leading travel destination.

"Air access and connectivity remain central to tourism growth. The suspension of instrument flight procedures is detrimental to South Africa’s credibility and marketability as a world-class destination and hampers our ability to grow at a critical time for the industry," said David Frost, CEO of the SATSA. 

"We urge all role players to prioritise and expedite a resolution to safeguard our sector’s stability and the country’s tourism reputation." 

Meanwhile, KMIA CEO Grant Ponting stressed that the airport’s infrastructure, lighting, and instrument landing systems (ILS) remain fully functional and compliant with all regulatory standards. He clarified that the suspension was not related to any shortcomings at KMIA itself.

"The suspension of the IFPs by ATNS is not due to any non-compliance by KMIA. As such, KMIA and our airline partners eagerly await for ATNS to resolve the matter and gain the necessary procedure approvals from the SACAA that is required of them," Ponting said.

"We will continue to work closely with our airline partners to limit the disruption and communicate effectively with all passengers moving through KMIA where possible."

"Kruger said the Kruger region is a flagship destination for international and domestic visitors, and disruptions of this nature have serious reputational implications, especially when alternative transport arrangements must be made.

"As we enter peak tourism season, South Africa cannot afford to lose ground on recovery or compromise the experience visitors have come to expect. Many invest in a product of luxury and convenience, and these interruptions erode confidence in the destination," he said.

BUSINESS REPORT