Update on 22 December, 13:52
Mr. Marius Nel, KMIA manager has just confirmed that the Distance Measurement Equipment (DME) damaged by lightning on Saturday night, has been fully repaired and all flights will continue, even in overcast conditions. This is after the airport’s prompt response in rectifying the technical difficulties they experienced yesterday. Nel said that it was the first time in 12 years that flights were delayed and suspended due to damage to their electronic landing system.
Update on 22 December
Incoming and outgoing flights from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport have been resumed for the time being, depending on weather conditions. Airport manager, Mr. Marius Nel says that yesterday’s overcast conditions have improved and that landing and take-off is safe for the time being. The airport is in the process of getting an engineer on the scene to fix the landing system issue, should weather conditions change again. Passengers are still advised to contact the airport to confirm their flights prior to travelling.
KMIA flights suspended on 21 December
All incoming and outgoing flights from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) have been delayed due to damage to the electronic landing system caused by lightning last night. According to the airport manager, Mr. Marius Nel, incoming air crafts require 8000 feet landing visibility in order to make a safe landing, and with today’s overcast conditions, this is not possible. This measure is taken in the interest of passenger safety.
In the midst of peak season, a lot of passengers are now making alternative arrangements to reach their destinations or connecting flights at O.R. Tambo International Airport. Lowvelder contacted the SA Airlink operating desk at KMIA and confirmed that the operator will unfortunately not arrange a bus for their passengers with connecting flights – all passengers are requested to make their own arrangements or contact car hire establishments as soon as possible.
Nel further mentioned that the system is very complex, and fixing the issue will require the expertise of an engineer specifically qualified for this type of system. KMIA management has made the necessary arrangements to get such an engineer at the airport tomorrow morning. Nel believes that the problem should be sorted out by end of day tomorrow.
Passengers are advised to contact the KMIA front desk or their flight operators for further information.
