Kishugu Lowveld Air Show postponed due to extreme weather forecast
Fans looking forward to high-flying acrobatics by some of SA's top pilots will have to wait another month. Due to extreme and unusual weather conditions expected over the weekend, the Kishugu Lowveld Air Show was postponed to June 16.
During an urgent meeting by the Kishugu Lowveld Air Show Committee this morning (11 May), the Air Show was postponed to the public holiday of June 16. The Scholars Day will be held on Thursday, June 15.
Chairman of the Kishugu Lowveld Air Show, Johan Heine, said that their main priority is always the safety of the pilots and participants, followed by the comfort and enjoyment of guests. “It is a big disappointment for all of us as we were all looking forward to an action packed weekend of aviation.”
“The build-up towards the air show was quite significant and therefore we feel terrible for disappointing the Lowveld community who were looking forward to this weekend.”
“Unfortunately the weather is the one thing we cannot control, but it is also the one thing we are 100% dependent on,” Heine stated.
The extreme weather systems consists of a combination of a cold front coming up from the Cape, and that offshore flow sucking moist and cold air out of the upper levels to the north, according to the assistant Air Show Director, Trevor Wilson. “There are even forecasts of snow flurries on Saturday for the Highveld. The jet aircraft and skydivers need at least 10,000 ft for their programme to succeed and the other aircraft need at least 5,000ft. The forecasts are showing cloud base of less than 1,000ft with rain showers which is definitely not airshow weather.”
Tickets that have already been purchased will still be valid for Friday 16 June and pre-event ticket sales will continue at KLCBT at Crossing Centre or the Aero Club at the Nelspruit Airfield. Online tickets will also be available.
