ATNS issues are ‘an economic disaster’ - AASA

Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) has come under fire for missing deadlines to submit revalidation paperwork to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) for re-approval of flight procedures.

These procedures are essential for flights to land or take-off from an airport.

As a result, instrument flight procedures at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, as well as airports in Gqeberha, Polokwane, and KwaZulu-Natal have been suspended.

Aaron Munetsi, CEO Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), says airlines are deeply concerned by this situation as it started affecting them last year.

“When it started happening, we were under the impression that this would be resolved. We are now approaching our peak season, and it has still not been resolved,” he says.

He adds that one airline, Airlink, has had 4,000 passengers being inconvenienced by this issue with at least 2,000 having their flights cancelled in October.

From a financial perspective this has cost Airlink R9million in one month.

There is also a knock on effect on tourism from each delay and cancellation.

“This is an economic disaster,” he adds.

To listen to Aaron Munetsi, CEO Airlines Association of Southern Africa, in conversation with John Perlman on 702’s Afternoon Drive, click the audio player for more: