Passenger disruption at East London airport: Navigation problem means planes cannot land in bad weather

No airline was able to operate flights to and from King Phalo Airport in East London on Tuesday morning.

“Due to adverse weather conditions in East London, all inbound and outbound flights have been postponed at King Phalo Airport until further notice,” the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) confirmed.

FlySafair said this was because Air Traffic & Navigation Services (ATNS) procedures for operations to King Phalo Airport in certain weather and visibility conditions have been suspended by the South African Civil Aviation Authority.

“It is unlikely all flights scheduled for today will be accommodated,” the airline said.

“The disruption is part of a longer-term ATNS procedural backlog that will require more comprehensive action in the future.”

FlySafair said its affected passengers will be assisted with alternative arrangements, including rebooking options and refund solutions for cancelled flights.

In July the ATNS announced the indefinite suspension of instrument-navigation flight approaches to smaller airports due to a compliance review of their infrastructure and procedures.

Under the suspension, pilots may fly visual approaches in favourable weather conditions. However, at night or during cloudy, misty or rainy weather, approaches may not be permissible.

More than 2,000 flights have experienced delays since July, with interruptions lasting between 30 minutes and two hours, Business Day reported.

Acsa said weather conditions in East London will be monitored throughout the day.

“Should conditions allow for optimal safe flight operations, normal operations will resume.”

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