Inbound and outbound flights at King Phalo Airport in East London were postponed on Tuesday, 8 October 2024, due to adverse weather conditions.
Story Summary:
- All inbound and outbound flights at King Phalo Airport in East London were cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
- FlySafair confirmed that Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) procedural challenges have compounded the delays.
- Passengers are advised to check updates via the ACSA app or directly with their airlines.
Weather disrupts flights at King Phalo Airport
The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed that poor visibility and unfavourable weather have led to the cancellation of all flights at the airport until further notice.
ACSA spokesperson Ernest Mulibana explained that ongoing adverse weather conditions forced the suspension of flights.
“The weather conditions will be monitored throughout the day, and should conditions allow for optimal safe flight operations, normal operations will resume. Passengers are encouraged to continuously check flight information updates on the ACSA App and directly with the airlines. ACSA apologises for the inconvenience caused,” Mulibana said.
FlySafair, one of the airlines impacted, pointed to issues with Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) procedures as the main cause of the disruption.
“The disruption is part of a longer-term ATNS procedural backlog that will require more comprehensive action in the future,” the airline noted in a statement. Affected passengers are being assisted with rebooking options or refunds.
Navigation challenges at King Phalo Airport
The Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose echoed the sentiments, acknowledging passengers’ frustration over the cancellations.
He explained that beyond weather conditions, navigation challenges have also worsened the situation.
“The delays are due to navigation systems that are further exacerbated by poor visibility caused by adverse weather in most parts of the province, including East London,” Binqose stated.
The navigation system suspensions come after a compliance review by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), which halted instrument-navigation approaches to smaller airports like King Phalo.
This procedural suspension allows for visual flight approaches only in good weather, which has left the airport vulnerable to delays during poor weather.
Since July, over 2 000 flights at smaller airports have experienced delays due to these restrictions, according to Business Day.
What passengers need to know
Passengers flying to or from King Phalo Airport should be aware that ongoing adverse weather and technical challenges could result in extended delays.
FlySafair has advised passengers to prepare for the likelihood that most scheduled flights will not take place on Tuesday.
ACSA encourages all passengers to use the ACSA app or contact airlines directly for updates.
Mulibana assured that airport authorities are monitoring the weather throughout the day and that flights will resume as soon as conditions improve.
Binqose added that the Department of Transport is working with national counterparts to find lasting solutions to the navigation system issues that have compounded the delays.