Starting 1 April 2025, updated air traffic service charges will come into effect in South Africa following the gazetting of the Air Traffic and Navigation Services Company Act, 1993 (Act No. 46 of 1993).
New Act is expected to drive up South Africa flight ticket prices
These revised charges, outlined in the January 2025 Government Gazette, aim to align the cost of air traffic services with international standards while ensuring the financial sustainability of the country’s air navigation system.
The new framework includes updated rates for three main service categories: Aerodrome Charges, Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA) Access Charges, and Area Charges.
The fees apply to both domestic and international flights, with calculations based on the Maximum Certificated Mass (MCM)of the aircraft and flight distance.
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Here is a breakdown of the proposed price adjustments for each category:
- Aerodrome Charges:
- Aircraft with an MCM of 500–999 kg will pay R105 per flight, up from R90.
- Larger aircraft exceeding 100,000 kg will see charges rise to R11,500 per flight, up from R10,000.
- TMA Access Charges:
- For aircraft weighing between 20,000 and 50,000 kg, TMA charges will increase from R540 to R600 per flight, depending on the distance within controlled airspace.
- Area Charges:
- En-route charges for an aircraft flying 500 km with an MCM of 50,000 kg will rise to R8,250, compared to the previous R7,500.
Here’s what to expect
The changes, in theory, are designed to ensure that air traffic management services are adequately funded to maintain high levels of safety and efficiency.
The increased fees will be used to modernise navigation systems, enhance operational safety, and improve the overall efficiency of air traffic within South Africa’s controlled airspace.
Passengers, however, may experience indirect effects as airlines could adjust ticket prices to account for higher operational costs.
While the specific impact on fares remains unclear, budget-conscious travellers may need to brace for potential increases, particularly on long-haul and international routes.
For the aviation sector, the updated charges incentivise efficient operations, encouraging carriers to optimise their flight paths and minimise unnecessary air traffic costs.
The revised charges will significantly affect:
- Commercial Airlines: Both domestic and international carriers must account for the increased costs, potentially impacting profitability and ticket pricing strategies.
- Private Aviation: Operators of non-commercial aircraft, particularly those exceeding weight thresholds, may face steeper operational costs.
- Cargo Operators: Businesses relying on air freight must factor in the additional costs when setting logistics budgets.
The Air Traffic and Navigation Services Company (ATNS) made it clear that the updated charges are necessary to sustain the country’s air navigation infrastructure and align South Africa with global aviation practices.
