Further flight delays expected at Richards Bay Airport

With adverse weather conditions expected over the coming days, further disruptions are anticipated at several airports, including Richards Bay.

This as more than 3 000 passengers have been affected by delayed, diverted or cancelled flights in recent weeks owing to the suspension of instrument flight procedures (IFPs).

#safeskies pic.twitter.com/KV5RF2GJ37

— ATNS (@ATNSSA) October 20, 2025

Airlink, the only commercial airline operating on the Johannesburg to Richards Bay route, said the suspension of the IFPs would place severe limitations on its flights.

“Under normal circumstances, our flights to and from these destinations would be permitted to operate in the present summer weather,” said Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht.

“South Africa’s Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) indefinitely suspended 226 IFPs across South Africa in July 2024 when it missed a deadline to complete the paperwork to renew their validity.

“Over 200 of these remain withdrawn. It suspended additional IFPs last weekend, primarily affecting Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA).

The airline said among the passengers affected are many tourists visiting the Kruger National Park and other prime tourist attractions in KZN and Mpumalanga.

“In commercial airline operations, pilots are legally obligated to follow IFPs, which are published charts with annotated instructions illustrating and describing the stipulated speeds, direction and altitudes aircraft should follow when taking off or approaching to land at an airport,” said Engelbrecht.

Absence of critical aviation services

Earlier this month, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), which manages Richards Bay Airport, confirmed that it experienced several flight diversions, delays and cancellations owing to adverse weather conditions amid the absence of IFPs.

The absence of IFPs means the airport is inaccessible during bad weather conditions, with no access permitted during poor visibility.

“ATNS has made significant progress in obtaining the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) approval for the instrument flight procedures, and Richards Bay Airport management is confident this process will be completed soon.

“Meanwhile, the airport is completing its Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) project, which includes installing PAPI lights.

“This upgrade will improve safety during low visibility and night time operations by giving pilots accurate visual landing guidance. The project is in its final phase and is expected to be operational shortly,” said the airports company.

ATNS spokesperson Percy Morokane said it is expected that all remaining instrument flight procedures for OR Tambo International and Richards Bay airports will be in place as of 27 November.

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