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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South Africa: FlySafair grows domestic network with new routes!

South Africa’s leading low-cost carrier, FlySafair, has announced another network expansion that will make domestic air travel even more convenient. Starting on 01 November 2025, the airline will launch two new direct services from Lanseria International Airport (HLA) in Johannesburg to the Eastern Cape. Travellers from Gauteng will soon be able to fly directly to King Phalo Airport (ELS) in East London with six weekly flights, as well as to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) with seven weekly flights. These new connections are designed to enhance regional accessibility and provide more affordable travel options for both business and leisure passengers.

The expansion does not stop there. From 02 October 2025, FlySafair will also begin operating flights between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town and Eastgate Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit, Limpopo. This new route, which will run three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, opens up seamless access to the Greater Kruger National Park and one of South Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. In addition, the airline will increase its service between Cape Town and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) in Mbombela to daily flights from 01 October 2025, giving travellers even more flexibility when planning trips to the Lowveld and surrounding private game reserves.

With these latest additions, FlySafair is reinforcing its position as one of South Africa’s most connected low-cost airlines, offering passengers greater convenience, improved regional connectivity and easier access to both coastal cities and world-class safari destinations.

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South Africa’s leading airports achieve prestigious ACI World Health & Safety Accreditation!

Four of South Africa’s busiest and most significant airports - Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, and King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban - have officially been awarded the ACI World Public Health & Safety Readiness (PHSR) Accreditation.
This global recognition from Airports Council International (ACI) World reaffirms South Africa’s commitment to ensuring safe, secure, and resilient airport environments for both domestic and international travellers.

The ACI World Public Health & Safety Readiness (PHSR) Accreditation is a comprehensive program developed by Airports Council International (ACI) World. It assists airports in evaluating and enhancing their public health and safety measures, ensuring alignment with international best practices and guidelines. For passengers, this means peace of mind. Whether flying in or out of Cape Town, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Johannesburg, or Durban, travellers can expect:

• World-class hygiene and health protocols
• Crisis and emergency preparedness
• Ongoing improvements to safety infrastructure

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South Africa: Springboks' 2025 home test schedule confirmed!

The South African Rugby Union (SA Rugby) has announced the Springboks' home test schedule for 2025. South African rugby fans can look forward to seeing the Boks in action against four different national teams between July and September 2025.
As part of the Castle Lager Incoming Series 2025, the Springboks will take on Italy at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 05 July 2025, followed by a second Test at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on 12 July 2025. They will then face Georgia at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on 19 July 2025 - only the third time the two nations have met in a test match.

The Boks will kick off their Castle Lager Rugby Championship title defence with back-to-back clashes against Australia at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on 16 August and at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on 23 August 2025. They will then travel to New Zealand for two Tests against the All Blacks, set for 6 September 2025 in Auckland and 13 September 2025 in Wellington.

Returning to South Africa, the Springboks will wrap up their home season with a test against Argentina at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on 27 September 2025. Their final match of the competition will take place a week later at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, London, where they will face the Pumas once more.

Details regarding ticket sales will be announced in due course.

South Africa: South African Airways makes Gqeberha a year-round destination!

South Africa's flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA), has announced that its seasonal service to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape will continue as a permanent destination on the airlines' flight itinerary beyond 31 March 2024. SAA resumed its service between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in December 2023 and initially planned to end it at the end of the month. SAA offers two return flights per day, seven days a week, to Gqeberha.

• Johannesburg 11:25 > 13:00 Gqeberha
• Gqeberha 13:30 > 15:05 Johannesburg
• Johannesburg 16:00 > 17:35 Gqeberha
• Gqeberha 18:05 > 19:40 Johannesburg 

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Major upgrades for South Africa’s main airports!

The South African Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, announced during a media briefing on the state of the aviation sector in South Africa that the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) is planning to upgrade the country's main airports. The majority state-owned airport management company, which operates nine of South Africa's airports, has earmarked ZAR 21.7 billion for an airport infrastructure development programme (as per the 5-year permission recently granted by the Regulating Committee). This investment primarily targets refurbishments, efficiency improvements, and statutory compliance measures, with the aim to enhance asset availability, airport safety, and passenger experiences across South Africa's airports. This is the largest capital investment programme by ACSA since preparing for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which took place in South Africa.

• Over the next two years, ACSA plans to embark on crucial capacity expansion projects at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) and George Airport (GRJ) in George, focusing on expansion of their terminal facilities. The terminal expansion project at George Airport (GRJ) is set to commence at the earliest opportunity due to the airport passenger throughout having passed its design capacity pre Covid-19. This will be followed by Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) within the next year or two.
• ACSA is set to embark on the development of a new cargo terminal, known as Mid-field Cargo, at O.R Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg on a prioritised basis given the demand and later the development of a Mid-field Passenger Terminal. Other significant projects at the airport will include extension of the bussing gates, which will entail adding six new bussing gates to the existing Terminal, a bussing terminal, along with augmenting retail, seating, and holding lounge areas. Additionally, as part of phase 2 of this project, a new mezzanine level will be constructed to enhance circulation and optimize seating and holding space.
• At Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, priority will be the domestic arrivals terminal reconfiguration to meet growing capacity needs. This encompasses enlarging the meet and greet area, expansion of the baggage claim area, an additional baggage carousel, expansion of the domestic departures lounge, retail spaces, and ablution facilities, as well as the addition of three new contact gates and fixed boarding bridges. Secondly, the initiation and development of the realigned runway development project is anticipated within permission period.
• King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban will see the development of a hotel, given that is a relatively new airport, with terminal expansion during the final year of the permission period.
• At King Phalo Airport (ELS) in East London, the focus during the permission period will be on expansion of the departure lounge, relocation of the security check point, upgrading of ablution facilities, improving retail options in the departure lounge, and adding offices and lounge space on the first floor.
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South Africa: South African Airways returns to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)!

South Africa's flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA),  is set to introduce a new service to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape. The airline announced earlier today that it will launch two daily return flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha on 13 December 2023 until 31 March 2024. The new service will be operated by Sun Express.

• Johannesburg 11:25 > 13:00 Gqeberha
• Gqeberha 13:30 > 15:05 Johannesburg
• Johannesburg 16:00 > 17:35 Gqeberha
• Gqeberha 18:05 > 19:40 Johannesburg

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South Africa: South African Airways defers resumption of flights between Johannesburg <> Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)!

South African Airways (SAA) has announced that the launch of its new service to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in South Africa's Eastern Cape had been deffered. According to the airline, flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha, which was to commence today (12 December 2022), will now be deferred to the new year 2023. The deferral of the restart of this route is due to the regulatory approval process that has taken much longer than anticipated. We'll keep you posted!

"Whilst the airline is disappointed that we could not achieve flying the Ggeberha route in time to meet the December peak season demand, the restart of this route remains a critical part of SAA’s network growth plan and SAA will continue to work to achieve this." (SAA Chief Commercial Officer, Tebogo Tsimane)

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South Africa: South African Airways returns to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)!

South African Airways (SAA) is set to return to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in South Africa's Eastern Cape. Commencing Monday, 12 December 2022, the airline offers three return flights per day between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha. SAA will operate an Airbus A320 aircraft on this route. The flight schedule is not unknown yet.

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South Africa: Airlink to launch flights between Durban <> Gqeberha!

South African privately-owned regional carrier Airlink is set to launch a new direct service between King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban and Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ; previously Port Elizabeth International Airport) in Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth). Effective 04 April 2022, the airline will operate daily flights (except Saturdays) between the two destinations. The new offering will be Airlink's third route serving Gqeberha, it also connects the city with Johannesburg and Cape Town. Similarly, it expands the airline's network of destinations served from Durban, which already includes Johannesburg, Harare and Mbombela (Nelspruit). Tickets for flights on the route are available since 05 March 2022.

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South Africa: Cemair to launch flights between Gqeberha <> East London & Bloemfontein!

South African regional carrier CemAir is set to launch two new routes from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Effective 06 July 2021, the airline will introduce flights between Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ |  Port Elizabeth International Airport) in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and King Phalo Airport (ELS | East London Airport) in East London. Cemair will operate two return flights per day on Tuesdays and Thursdays to East London. One day later, on 07 July 2021, the airline will launch a new three-weekly service on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays between Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN) in Bloemfontein.

CEMAIR LAUNCH FLIGHTS FROM GQEBERHA EAST LONDON & BLOEMFONTEIN
GQEBERHA (PE) TO EAST LONDON – starting 6 July
GQEBERHA TO BLOEMFONTEIN – starting 7 July
Tune into KayaFM at 13:40 to hear more about these exciting new routes
For more info: https://t.co/H7Uw0K0mKf #ECYours2Explore pic.twitter.com/igAjm72oF9

— Eastern Cape Tourism (@EC_Tourism) May 26, 2021

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South Africa has renamed two cities, three towns and two airports in the Eastern Cape! [update]

update (25 February 2021): Pumza Fihlani from the BBC tells us how to say Gqeberha - the new Xhosa name for Port Elizabeth.

South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, has officially announced a number of name changes for towns, cities and airports as well as spelling corrections and the official registration for existing geographical names in South Africa's Eastern Cape. The changes were published in a Government Gazette (Government Gazette Vol. 668 No. 44181) on 23 February. The Minister approved the new geographical names for the following towns, cities and airports:

• Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ) > Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport
• Port Elizabeth > Gqeberha
• Uitenhage > Kariega
• East London Airport (ELS) > King Phalo Airport
• King Williams Town > Qonce
• Berlin > Ntabozuko
• Maclear > Nqanqarhu

For the spelling corrections and the official registration for existing geographical names (villages, human settlements and a mountain), please see the Government Gazette (Government Gazette Vol. 668 No. 44181, 23 February 2021).