Transport Minister Barbara Creecy addresses air traffic navigation services crisis

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has assured South Africans that efforts are underway to stabilize the Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) following a series of inefficiencies that have severely impacted air travel.

Creecy met with the ATNS board and management on Monday to discuss the key operational failures that have led to flight delays at major airports across the country. The meeting came in the wake of the precautionary suspension of ATNS CEO, Nozipho Mdawe, pending an investigation into allegations of mismanagement.

Key Issues Affecting ATNS Operations

ATNS, the state-owned company responsible for air traffic control in South Africa, has been grappling with critical staff shortages and unreliable navigation systems. These challenges have contributed to significant delays at airports, leaving both domestic and international travelers frustrated.

Additional issues such as aging infrastructure at several airports have further exacerbated the situation. The instability in the air traffic network has not only inconvenienced passengers but has also affected South Africa’s economy, particularly in the tourism sector, which heavily depends on efficient air travel.

Navigation Systems and Expiring Flight Procedures

One of the major technical challenges facing ATNS is the maintenance of instrument flight procedures, which are essential for safe and efficient flight operations.

Minister Creecy revealed that 66 flight procedures are set to expire in three weeks, adding another layer of urgency to the crisis. While ATNS has been working on updating these procedures, the department does not expect all of them to be ready by the deadline of April 8.

To prevent further disruption, Creecy announced that the government has submitted an application to the Civil Aviation Authority requesting a limited extension for the 35 most critical procedures.

“We don’t think that all these would be ready by the 8th of April, so what we have done is submitting to the civil aviation authority an application to give a limited extension on the alternative means of compliance on these 35 priority procedures,” said Creecy.

Prioritizing Major Airports

The extension request primarily focuses on major international airports, including:

• OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)
• Cape Town International Airport
• King Shaka International Airport (Durban)

These airports handle the majority of passenger and cargo traffic in South Africa and are crucial for both domestic and international connectivity.

However, Creecy also acknowledged that smaller airports are facing similar challenges. A separate extension application has been submitted for additional airports, including:

• Polokwane International Airport
• Richards Bay Airport

These extensions are expected to mitigate the impact of procedural expirations, allowing ATNS time to resolve the navigation system issues without compromising flight safety.

Impact on Passengers and Economy

The ongoing issues within ATNS have had ripple effects on various sectors of the economy, especially in tourism and business travel. Flight delays and cancellations not only disrupt travel plans but also lead to financial losses for airlines, businesses, and travelers.

South Africa’s tourism industry, which is still recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, relies heavily on efficient air transport to attract international visitors. The current instability in air traffic management poses a serious risk to the sector’s growth.

Government Intervention and the Road Ahead

With the suspension of CEO Nozipho Mdawe, the ATNS board is now under pressure to stabilize the company’s operations. Minister Creecy has emphasized that urgent action is being taken to address the crisis and restore confidence in South Africa’s air traffic control systems.

The government’s primary focus includes:

• Filling critical vacancies to improve staffing shortages.
• Upgrading outdated navigation systems to ensure efficiency and reliability.
• Working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority to prevent further disruptions.
• Ensuring transparency in the ongoing investigation into ATNS leadership failures.

As the April 8 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Civil Aviation Authority’s decision regarding the extension requests. In the meantime, passengers, airlines, and industry stakeholders will be hoping for a swift resolution to avoid further disruptions to South Africa’s air travel network.