AASA Calls for Government Intervention Amid Mounting Challenges Facing South African Aviation

The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) has expressed deep concern over the escalating challenges facing the South African aviation industry.

In a statement, AASA CEO Aaron Munetsi outlined a series of disruptions impacting air travel, including recent power outages, the suspension of flight approaches at multiple airports, and the halting of air services licensing processes.

“Sunday evening’s power outage at Cape Town International Airport [July 28, 2024] caused numerous local and foreign airlines’ flights to and from the airport to be delayed and diverted, inconveniencing travellers and burdening carriers with additional costs and strained operations,” Munetsi said.

The subsequent suspension of flight approaches at nine airports by the Air Traffic Navigation Service (ATNS) has further exacerbated the situation, forcing airlines to divert or cancel flights, particularly in conditions of low visibility.

“These suspensions also have serious harmful economic ramifications for businesses, industry, trade, essential and emergency services as well as people’s livelihoods in towns such as Kimberley, George, Polokwane, Mthatha and Richards Bay, whose airports are the worst-affected by the suspensions.  

“Flight schedule disruptions are financial hammer blows to airlines,” Munetsi added.

“Their customers lose confidence resulting in lost sales, ticket cancellations and refunds. Simultaneously, they are saddled with additional costs, including extra fuel, ground handling, re-accommodating passengers, and landing and parking charges at diversion airports. They also have to pay ATNS for the extra en-route navigation and air traffic control charges associated with any diversions.”   

The AASA also highlighted the impact of the halted air services licensing processes and the challenges posed by the Department of Home Affairs’ new biometric system.

“The breakdowns, bottlenecks, and withdrawal of critical air transport infrastructure and services signal an indifference to the aviation industry and a failure to grasp its significant contribution to the country’s economy,” Munetsi stated.

The country needs to harness aviation’s potential and treat air connectivity as a key pillar in its strategy to recover the economy, create jobs and restore its competitiveness. 

The association urged Transport Minister Barbara Creecy to intervene and address these issues promptly, emphasizing the aviation industry’s role in economic growth and job creation.

“The Department of Transport, Acsa, ATNS and the SACAA (which now houses the two licensing councils) – to prevent these kinds of disruptions and deliver on their mandate of enabling safe, reliable, efficient and accessible passenger and cargo air transport. This will let airlines play their role in fixing and growing South Africa’s economy.”