Transport Department defends US-sanctioned Russian cargo plane landing in South Africa

The Department of Transport has defended its decision to issue a landing permit to a Russian plane reportedly sanctioned by the United States due to its connections to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Ilyushin IL-76, operated by Moscow-based Abakan Air, landed in Upington in the Northern Cape recently carrying general cargo, civilian helicopters and acrobatic equipment. After refuelling at Lanseria, it seemingly departed without cargo.

The landing has raised fears that it could worsen the already tense relationship between South Africa and the United States.

Responding to public concern, Transport Department spokesperson Collen Msibi confirmed that local authorities granted the landing permit in accordance with local aviation laws. 

He emphasised that Abakan Air is not blacklisted by the South African government and that the department had received no formal notification from any foreign government regarding sanctions or safety concerns.

"Our duty is to process a permit. We don't have any provisions that require us to look for other conditions beyond those outlined in the legislation for granting a permit. In our legislation, there is nothing that requires us to vet anyone who comes to us for a permit. So, in this case, if there were issues of blacklisting, that would have been reported to our government and therefore we would then be told in terms of what needs to happen."

To listen to Collen Msibi in conversation with 702's Bongani Bingwa, click the audio below: