ATNS's continued failure to address suspension of instrument flight procedures indefensible - expert

Aviation expert Linden Burns said the continued failure to address the suspension of instrument flight procedures was indefensible, as airlines and commuters are impacted.

Instrument flight procedures are crucial for efficient airport access in all weather conditions, helping pilots take off or land in adverse weather and poor visibility.

ALSO READ: Growing chaos amid flight delays following more ATNS suspensions

State-owned company the Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) has been under fire for some time now for missing some deadlines to submit the revalidation paperwork to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) for re-approval of flight procedures.

The ATNS previously confirmed the suspension of two instrument flight procedures at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

But some airlines have also raised concern about flightdelays caused by the suspension at other airports, including in Gqeberha, Polokwane and at least two airports in KwaZulu-Natal.

While Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy met with the ATNS board earlier in 2025 to address the matter, Burns said the glacial response to the administrative issues was damaging.

"The tragedy is that this affects so many economically fragile economies around the country, like Richards Bay, for example. More flights to Richards Bay have been cancelled in the last few weeks than have actually managed to be operated."

Some carriers, including Airlink, said they were spending millions of rands in unbudgeted costs on extra fuel, staff costs, customer compensation and reputational harm.