Johannesburg: OR Tambo International Airport back to normal after severe weather disruptions!

South Africa’s Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) has confirmed that air traffic operations at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg are operating normally this morning, Monday, 05 January 2026. All services are continuing as scheduled, providing reassurance to travellers during one of the busiest periods of the summer travel season.

ATNS noted, however, that aviation operations are inherently dynamic and remain under continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure safety and efficiency at all times.

The authority further clarified that the flight diversions experienced on Sunday afternoon, 04 January 2026, were not the result of air traffic control staffing or human resource constraints. Instead, the disruptions were caused by severe weather conditions, including intense thunderstorms, which temporarily impacted safe aircraft operations within OR Tambo International Airport’s airspace.

ATNS reiterated that safety remains its highest priority and confirmed that it continues to work closely with airlines, airport authorities, and other aviation stakeholders to ensure the safe, orderly, and efficient management of air traffic across South Africa’s busiest airport.

Travellers are advised to stay in contact with their airlines for the latest flight updates, particularly during periods of volatile summer weather.

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Polokwane International Airport: Runway 05 Instrument Flight Procedure now operational!

Last updated 29 December 2025 

The South African Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS)  has confirmed on 27 December 2025 that the Instrument Flight Procedure (IFP) for Runway 05 at Polokwane International Airport (PTG) in Polokwane in Limpopo is now valid and fully operational.

This follows ATNS’s earlier notice that the procedure would become effective on 25 December 2025, and marks an important milestone in improving aviation safety, operational resilience, and airspace efficiency in Limpopo.

What this means for travellers and airlines
The activation of the Runway 05 Instrument Flight Procedure significantly enhances instrument approach capability, particularly during low visibility and adverse weather conditions. This reduces the risk of weather-related delays and diversions, supporting more predictable flight operations for both commercial airlines and general aviation.

For passengers travelling to or from Polokwane International Airport (PTG), this translates into:

• Improved schedule reliability
• Increased operational safety
• Fewer disruptions during seasonal weather events

Peak season operations remain stable
ATNS has confirmed that the new procedure is aligned with its Peak Season Plan, implemented to manage increased air traffic volumes during the festive travel period.

According to ATNS:

• All air traffic services across South Africa’s national airspace system are operating normally
• No operational disruptions have been reported

This provides reassurance to travellers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

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South Africa: ATNS restored instrument flight procedures (IFPs) at two airports!

Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) of South Africa has announced that the instrument flight procedures (IFPs) at Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN) in in Bloemfontein and Kimberley Airport (KIM) in Kimberley are officially approved and operational again since 27 November 2025.

The IFPs for both airports’ Runway 02 had been temporarily suspended as part of ATNS’s ongoing instrument procedure maintenance programme, which ensures full compliance with international aviation safety standards and alignment with ATNS’s own safety management systems. Their reinstatement marks another important step in stabilising operations and rebuilding critical capacity within South Africa's airspace management infrastructure.

ATNS also reaffirmed its previously published timeline for additional reinstatements:

• Polokwane International Airport (PTG) in Polokwane is expected to resume instrument flight procedures on 25 December 2025.
• Upington International Airport (UTN) in Upington is set to follow on 22 January 2026.

Once these procedures are restored, all major South African airports will once again have operational instrument flight procedures for at least one primary runway - a significant milestone for the country’s aviation sector.

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Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) makes strong progress in restoring flight procedures across South Africa

Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) has announced major progress in stabilising operations and rebuilding its core technical capacity. According to Acting CEO Matome Moholola, ATNS continues to make steady advances in restoring and validating instrument flight procedures (IFPs) across South Africa’s aviation network, including several key secondary airports.

Moholola confirmed that all flight procedures remain operational at network airports, with only one outstanding procedure at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth. This final procedure has already received approval from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and will become effective on 27 November 2025.

Regional airport updates
ATNS also shared the latest updates on the implementation of IFPs at several regional airports:

• Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) in Mbombela/Nelspruit – Instrument approach procedures have been approved by SACAA and are already available for operational use.
• Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN) in Bloemfontein and Kimberley Airport (KIM) in Kimberley – Procedures and charts approved; effective 27 November 2025.
• Richards Bay Airport (RCB) in Richards Bay, Upington International Airport (UTN) in Upington and Polokwane International Airport (PTG) in Polokwane – Instrument flight procedures are in the final stages of approval and are expected to go live on 25 December 2025.

These positive developments reflect ATNS’s ongoing commitment to strengthening South Africa’s aviation infrastructure, ensuring safer skies and more dependable travel across the country’s airspace network.

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South Africa: Temporary suspension of Instrument Flight Procedures at three airports [update #6]

update (30 October 2025): The ATNS has announced that scheduled flight operations at Richards Bay Airport (RCB) in Richards Bay may experience disruptions due to adverse weather conditions, specifically reduced visibility caused by rain and low cloud cover, combined with the absence of instrument flight procedures.   

update (27 October 2025): The ATNS has announced that scheduled flight operations at Richards Bay Airport (RCB) in Richards Bay may experience disruptions due to adverse weather conditions, specifically reduced visibility caused by rain and low cloud cover, combined with the absence of instrument flight procedures.     

update (25 October 2025): The ATNS has announced that Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth may experience disruptions due to adverse weather conditions, caused by strong winds and low cloud cover. 

update (23 October 2025): The ATNS has announced that Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth may experience disruptions due to adverse weather conditions, caused by strong winds and low cloud cover.

update (21 October 2025): The ATNS has announced that Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) in Mbombela/Nelspruit and Polokwane International Airport (PTG) in Polokwane may experience disruptions today due to adverse weather conditions, specifically reduced visibility caused by low cloud cover, combined with the absence of instrument flight procedures.    

update (20 October 2025): The ATNS has announced that Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) in Mbombela/Nelspruit, Polokwane International Airport (PTG) in Polokwane, as well as Richards Bay Airport (RCB) in Richards Bay may experience disruptions today due to adverse weather conditions, specifically reduced visibility caused by low cloud cover, combined with the absence of instrument flight procedures.   

update (16 October 2025): The ATNS has announced that Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth, Polokwane International Airport (PTG) in Polokwane, and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) in Mbombela/Nelspruit, as well as Richards Bay Airport (RCB) in Richards Bay may experience disruptions today due to adverse weather conditions, specifically reduced visibility caused by low cloud cover, combined with the absence of instrument flight procedures.  

Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) SOC Ltd has issued an update (10 October 2025) regarding temporary suspensions and maintenance of instrument flight procedures at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth, Polokwane International Airport (PTG) in Polokwane, and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) in Mbombela/Nelspruit. These suspensions form part of ATNS’s ongoing Instrument Flight Procedure Maintenance Programme aimed at ensuring full compliance with regulatory and safety standards.

Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth
The Instrument Landing System (ILS) procedure for Runway 26 has been temporarily suspended to comply with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) requirements and ATNS’s Safety Management System (SMS). The ILS for Runway 08 remains operational.
The revised procedure has already received SACAA approval and is expected to be reinstated by 27 November 2025. During this period, travellers may experience flight delays or diversions, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

Polokwane International Airport (PTG) in Polokwane & Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) in Mbombela/Nelspruit
At both airports, flight procedures are also suspended as part of the same national maintenance programme. ATNS is currently undergoing a Flight Procedure Design certification renewal process under the South African Civil Aviation Regulations (SACAR).
Until this certification renewal is complete, the suspended procedures will remain inactive to maintain strict compliance with safety regulations. Once recertification is finalised, ATNS will promptly submit the procedures for SACAA approval. These suspensions may cause temporary flight disruptions at both airports.

Commitment to safety and compliance
ATNS emphasized its commitment to aviation safety, stating that it is working closely with SACAA and other regulatory bodies to ensure timely approvals and the safe resumption of normal operations across all affected airports.

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System malfunction at South Africa’s busiest airport delays departures! [update]

[update 02 August 2025]: Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) has confirmed that the system failure affecting Air Traffic Control (ATC) operations at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg has been successfully restored.

The Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) of South Africa has confirmed a systems failure affecting operations at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. The disruption involves the Flight Plan Management System, a critical component of Air Traffic Control (ATC), resulting in departure delays and operational disruptions.
ATNS is actively coordinating with all relevant aviation stakeholders to minimise flight delays and manage the situation as efficiently as possible. While the issue impacts departures, strict safety protocols remain in place, and air traffic is being managed with utmost caution to ensure passenger safety.
Travellers flying through O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight status updates. ATNS has assured the public that every effort is being made to restore normal operations swiftly and to keep disruptions to a minimum.

Stay tuned to umhambi.blogspot.com for ongoing updates regarding the situation at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg.

 

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George Airport (GRJ): Possible flight disruptions due to severe weather! [update #4]

update (14 March 2025): ACSA just confirmed that, due to adverse weather conditions, some flights to and from George Airport (GRJ) in George have been impacted. 

update (14 March 2025): South African regional and domestic carrier FlySafair has informed its customers that six flights to and from George Airport (GRJ) in George have been canceled today. The airline also announced delays of 10 flights taking place today due to the weather in George.

update (14 March 2025): According to ACSA, operations at George Airport (GRJ) in George are currently back to normal. However, for extra caution, ACSA recommends to check with your airline for any potential changes.

update (13 March 2025): Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has confirmed that due to adverse weather conditions, some flights to and from George Airport (GRJ) in George have been impacted.

The South African Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) has issued a notice about potential flight disruptions at George Airport (GRJ) in George in South Africa's Western Cape due to severe weather conditions. Strong and hazardous winds are currently favoring the use of Runway 11, but its Instrument Landing System (ILS) is temporarily unavailable due to an ongoing flight procedure maintenance program. Additionally, the region is experiencing a low cloud base of less than 500 feet, which may further impact flight operations. Travellers are advised to stay updated on flight schedules and check with airlines for potential delays or cancellations.

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Western Cape: Flight disruptions expected at George Airport (GRJ) due to severe weather! [update #2]

update (28 January 2025): Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) has released an updater egarding the flight disruptions that began yesterday at George Airport (GRJ) in George in South Africa's Western Cape due to severe inclement weather conditions.
The airport is still affected by a low cloud base and strong surface winds that make landing on Runway 29 not feasible. Aircraft are therefore forced to operate on Runway 11, whose instrument landing system (ILS) flight procedure is still under maintenance.  As a result, some flights are forced to divert as a safety precaution. 

update (28 January 2025): According to FlySafair, adverse weather conditions are still affecting flight operations at George Airport (GRJ) in George in South Africa's Western Cape.

Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), the company responsible for air traffic, navigation, training, and related services in South Africa, has announced that flight disruptions are expected at George Airport (GRJ) in George in South Africa's Western Cape today due to severe weather conditions.
ATNS has indicated that the current weather conditions around the airport are not safe for aircraft operations. The wind direction requires the use of Runway 11, but its instrument landing system (ILS) flight procedure is still undergoing maintenance. Stay tuned for updates!

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East London: ATNS secures approval for Runway 11 instrument landing system at King Phalo Airport (ELS)!

Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), the company that provides air traffic, navigation, training and associated services within South Africa, has announced that the instrument landing system (ILS) flight procedure for Runway 11 at King Phalo Airport (ELS) in East London has been approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). According to ATNS, this ensures that both runways, 29 and 11, at the airport will have valid procedures in place. As a result of this development, flight operations at King Phalo Airport (ELS) are expected to improve, reducing the likelihood of flight disruptions as witnessed recently. We'll keep you posted!

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Eastern Cape: Significant flight disruptions at King Phalo Airport (ELS) in East London! [update]

update (22 Octobe 2024): According to Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), today's flight disruptions at King Phalo Airport (ELS) in East London were not related to the instrument flight procedure maintenance programme. ATNS can confirm that flight procedures for the two runways in this airport are operational. This morning, the airport experienced severe weather conditions that fell below acceptable approach minima. The cloud base was under 300 feet, requiring missed approaches (go-arounds) until conditions improved.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has informed the public that King Phalo Airport (ELS) in East London in South Africa's Eastern Cape is currently experiencing significant flight disruptions, which have impacted both inbound and outbound flights. According to ACSA, this is due to adverse weather conditions today, 22 October 2024.
The disruptions have been compounded by lapsed Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) procedures. ACSA and ATNS are coordinating efforts to address these procedural lapses and restore normal flight operations promptly. All passengers affected by delays are advised to contact their airlines directly for information regarding rebooking and are further encouraged to verify the status of their flights before traveling to the airport. We'll keep you posted!

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George Airport (GRJ): Adverse weather conditions are currently affecting operations! [update]

update (21 October 2024): Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), which operates George Airport (GRJ), confirmed that due to adverse weather conditions, some flights to and from  George Airport (GRJ) have been cancelled until further notice.

Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), the company that provides air traffic, navigation, training and associated services within South Africa, has informed the public that inclement weather conditions are currently affecting operations at George Airport (GRJ) in George in South Africa's Western Cape. According to ATNS, this adverse weather is negatively impacting airport operations. We'll keep you posted!

Runway Status:
Runway 29 (RWY 29): Although RWY 29 has a valid flight procedure, it is currently unavailable due to prevailing wind conditions. This may result in flight delays and potential diversions.
Runway 11 (RWY 11): Wind direction favours this runway, however, the flight procedure for RWY 11 was submitted to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) for approval yesterday. We are expecting an outcome soon. [src.]

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