Passengers booked on British Airways Comair & Kulula.com for Saturday flights have been advised not to go to the airport because these flights have been cancelled over safety concerns.
This, after the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) announced earlier that it has suspended Comair’s Air Operator Certificate as a “precautionary measure”.
Comair issued a statement apologising to affected passengers for the inconvenience and said it was doing everything possible to restore services as soon as possible.
“Our executive team are engaging with the CAA on an urgent basis. Comair believes there is no justification for the suspension,” the company said in a statement Saturday.
However, the regulator has advised Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula that the decision follows a series of safety incidents for which Comair was expected to address.
“The regulator took this decision independently, in line with its mandate to oversee aviation safety,” said SACAA.
“This action follows a series of safety incidents, involving British Airways Comair & Kulula.com, which led the regulator to conduct a safety oversight inspection to determine compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations.”
Safety issues identified by the regulator include non-compliance with the regulations, which led to suspending the operator’s Air Operator Certificate, effectively grounding the entire fleet.
“South Africa has an impeccable aviation safety record insofar as airline operations are concerned,” said SACAA.
“This is due to our robust aviation safety regime and the vigilance SACAA exercises in ensuring full compliance by airlines.
“We are committed to ensuring compliance with aviation safety prescripts without fear, favour or prejudice.”
