Polokwane – The suspension of instrument flight procedures has resulted in delays and cancellations at the Polokwane International Airport.
Early Monday, (7 Arpril 2025), Gateway Airport Authority Limited (GAAL) informed “all airline operators, passengers, and other relevant stakeholders that this suspension may affect flight particularly at night, during misty and cloudy weather conditions”.
Air Traffic Navigation Service (ATNS) notified GAAL and other airport authorities nationwide of the temporary suspension of the procedures at various airports.
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.
GAAL explained that 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 said, in consultation with airlines, it will do its best to maintain normal schedule, however, it is possible that some of the flights may be delayed or in the worst-case scenario be cancelled.
GAAL added: “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.”
