All flights to and from East London’s King Phalo Airport suspended after crackdown by regulators

Hundreds of travellers were left stranded after safety authorities shut down the King Phalo Airport in East London on Tuesday, 8 October 2024.

This is the second shutdown at the airport in less than a month.

Between 20 and 30 flights land at King Phalo Airport each day, and it is estimated that the facility is used by 620,000 people a year. It is a busy link in the cargo flight chain that supports the manufacturing and automotive industry in the province.

Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) spokesperson Mphilo Dlamini confirmed that there were flight disruptions, delays and cancellations at the airport “due to today’s unfavourable weather conditions and lack of instrument flight procedures”.

“King Phalo Airport operates two precision approach runways: Runway 29 and Runway 11. Currently, aircraft can depart and land without interruption when Runway 29 is in use. For Runway 11, aircraft cannot land during inclement weather conditions like today [Tuesday],” Dlamini said.

“However, the ATNS can confirm that the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has assured the entity that instrument flight procedures for Runway 11 are being expedited and approvals are expected tomorrow, Wednesday (9 October).

“The urgency with which the ATNS is addressing the suspended instrument flight procedures underlines our dedication to enhancing overall service delivery and safety for all airspace users. The ATNS will keep passengers and airspace users informed of the latest developments,” he said.

Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) spokesperson Ernest Mulibana said he can confirm that due to adverse weather conditions in East London, all inbound and outbound flights have been postponed.

Mulibana confirmed that the suspension would remain in place until further notice.

“The weather conditions will be monitored throughout the day and, should conditions allow for optimal safe flight operations, normal operations will resume. Passengers are encouraged to check flight information updates continuously on the Acsa App and directly with the airlines. Acsa apologises for the inconvenience caused,” he said.

Unathi Binqose from the Eastern Cape Department of Transport said they have noted the “outcry” of travellers on the delays and cancellation of flights from the King Phalo Airport. 

“The delays are said to be due to navigation systems that are further exacerbated by poor visibility due to adverse weather conditions in most parts of the province, including East London,” he said.

“The department, as custodians of transport in the province, is in contact with its national counterpart to constantly check on progress while lasting solutions are sought for the navigation challenges.”

FlySafair said in a statement that no jets from any airline are currently able to operate flights to and from King Phalo Airport in East London.

“Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) procedures for operations to King Phalo Airport in certain weather and visibility conditions have been suspended by the South African Civil Aviation Authority due to a failure to have the procedures renewed as per regulations,” they explained.

“FlySafair is actively working with both the Airports Company South Africa and ATNS to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. However, this disruption is part of a longer-term ATNS procedural backlog that will require more comprehensive action in the future. While we are closely monitoring the situation, it is unlikely that all flights scheduled for today will be accommodated,” the statement continued.

Leander Kruger, the Democratic Alliance’s spokesperson for Tourism in the Eastern Cape Legislature, said they were deeply concerned about the state of the airport as this is the second time in a few weeks that the airport has shut down. 

“Today, no flights were allowed to land or take off, causing significant delays and congestion. The crisis stems from Air Traffic and Navigation Services operational failures, including outdated regulatory procedures failing to meet international standards, ageing infrastructure and a shortage of trained and experienced staff.

“As a key tourist destination and gateway to the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast, Buffalo City’s economy relies heavily on airport operations. If tourists cannot fly into King Phalo Airport, it may lead to a substantial decline in tourism, severely impacting the local economy.

“King Phalo Airport is a vital domestic travel hub, and disruptions to its limited flight schedule threaten its viability and the livelihoods of airport employees,” he said. DM