A passenger on a flight takes a picture of an aircraft on a rainy day. Picture: Unsplash
FlySafair issued a travel update notifying travellers at King Phalo Airport in East London that its flights have been suspended.
In a post on X, the low cost domestic carrier said that due to current weather conditions, it can temporarily not operate into or out of East London.
“The South African Civil Aviation Authority has suspended the Air Traffic Navigation System’s landing and departure procedures for our aircraft type during poor visibility. We will resume normal operations once the suspension is lifted and we can legally use them or when the weather conditions improve,” said FlySafair.
⚠️ Important Update: East London Flights
— FlySafair (@FlySafair) September 12, 2024
Due to current weather conditions, FlySafair can temporarily not operate flights into or out of East London. The South African Civil Aviation Authority has suspended the Air Traffic Navigation System's landing and departure procedures for…
The Airports Company SA (ACSA) also encouraged travellers to stay updated on their flight information after severe weather conditions and the suspension of certain Instrument Flight Procedures at King Phalo Airport resulted in six flights being cancelled while two others were delayed on Wednesday.
According to Acsa, the flight procedures are those that are currently undergoing mandatory periodic reviews as a safety measure.
Therefore, under certain weather condition, particularly with reduced visibility, aircraft may not be able to procedurally commence approach and landing.
“King Phalo Airport has two runways which could not be used until the weather conditions improved. Prevalent high winds in the area further necessitated increased tactical safety parameters to be instituted in order to ensure optimal safe flight operations,” said Acsa.
In July, the Air Traffic and Navigation Services issued a Notice to Airmen advising that certain flight procedures at Kimberley and George airports had been suspended preventing any aircraft from taking off and landing in adverse weather.
However, Acsa said normal operations continued at these airports.