The Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT) has confirmed that Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) has resumed full flight operations, following recent disruptions caused by suspended instrument flight procedures (IFPs).
According to Oupa Pilane, Special Attaché to the KLCBT, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has granted Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) an exemption for its suspended IFPs. ATNS applied for exemptions to reinstate the suspended IFPs at the airport, on October 17, as reported by Tourism Update.
“I am delighted to welcome the news that KMIA is back to full operation. These disruptions could have been avoided if ATNS had fulfilled its responsibility to maintain their systems effectively. Furthermore, the silence from the Mpumalanga provincial government during this crisis was deafening, leaving the private sector, as always, to bear the burden of resolving the issue,” said Pilane.
He explained that the delayed recertification of IFPs at the airport caused significant flight delays, cancellations and diversions, severely impacting travellers and the region’s vital tourism economy during peak season.
“Thanks to exemptions granted by the SACAA, ATNS has reinstated the necessary procedures, enabling airlines such as Airlink and FlySafair to resume normal schedules,” Pilane said.
