Delays and cancellation of flights in Polokwane

The Polokwane International Airport in Limpopo has been experiencing flight delays and cancellations due to the suspension of instrument flight procedures.

Gateway Airport Authority Limited [GAAL] and other airport authorities nationwide have been notified by the Air Traffic Navigation Service [ATNS] of the temporary suspension of the procedures at various airports.

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The suspension may affect flight, particularly at night, during misty and cloudy weather conditions. It is possible that some of the flights may be delayed or in the worst-case scenario be cancelled.

“GAAL wishes to inform all airline operators, passengers, and other relevant stakeholders that this suspension may affect flight, particularly at night, during misty and cloudy weather conditions,” said GAAL in a statement on Sunday.

FLIGHT DELAYS AT POLOKWANE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DUE TO TECHNICAL ISSUES

“The procedures were designed, approved and prescribed by ATNS based on South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Procedures for Air Navigation Services – Aircraft Operations (ICAO PAN-OPS) design criteria which change from time to time. ATNS is in the process of reviewing the procedures to ensure that they comply with safety requirements.

“Under this suspension, pilots may fly visual approaches in favourable weather conditions, however, at night or during cloudy, misty or rainy weather, approaches may not always be permissible and as such some flights, especially morning flights might be affected.”

“GAAL will, in consultation with the airline, do its best to maintain a normal schedule, however, it is possible that some of the flights may be delayed or in the worst-case scenario be cancelled. We apologise in advance to any customers who are inconvenienced by this development which is beyond GAAL’s control. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves.”