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ATNS Restores Instrument Flight Procedures, Boosting Reliability at South Africa’s Regional Airports ATNS Restores Instrument Flight Procedures, Boosting Reliability at South Africa’s Regional Airports

South Africa’s Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) has announced significant progress in stabilising its operations and rebuilding core technical capacity, marking a turning point for the country’s aviation sector. According to Acting CEO Matome Moholola, ATNS is making steady headway in restoring and validating instrument flight procedures (IFPs) across the national aviation network, with a particular focus on key secondary and regional 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 is set to become effective on 27 November 2025. This milestone underscores ATNS’s commitment to ensuring that South Africa’s airspace remains safe, efficient, and dependable for both domestic and international operators.

Recent months have seen ATNS under scrutiny following disruptions caused by lapses in updating IFPs, which affected operations at several airports, including Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) in Mbombela/Nelspruit. However, the latest updates indicate a strong recovery, with instrument approach procedures at MQP now approved by SACAA and available for operational use.  This rapid turnaround is a testament to the organisation’s renewed focus on technical excellence and regulatory compliance.

Further positive developments are on the horizon for other regional airports. At Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN) in Bloemfontein and Kimberley Airport (KIM) in Kimberley, all procedures and charts have been approved and will become effective on 27 November 2025. Meanwhile, Richards Bay Airport (RCB), Upington International Airport (UTN), and Polokwane International Airport (PTG) are in the final stages of approval, with new IFPs expected to go live on 25 December 2025.

These advancements reflect a broader strategy by ATNS to strengthen South Africa’s aviation infrastructure and restore confidence among airlines, pilots, and the wider travel industry. The restoration and validation of IFPs are critical for maintaining operational continuity, especially during periods of poor visibility or adverse weather, when precision navigation is essential for safe landings and departures.

Industry observers note that ATNS’s efforts are already yielding tangible benefits. The approval of 240 out of 388 flight procedures by SACAA, as reported in recent updates, is a clear indicator of the organisation’s determination to address past shortcomings and deliver on its mandate. The focus on regional airports is particularly important for the African travel sector, as these gateways play a vital role in connecting remote destinations, supporting tourism, and enabling economic growth across the continent.

ATNS’s renewed technical capacity is also supported by ongoing investments in modernisation and regulatory alignment. The organisation is working closely with SACAA and other stakeholders to ensure that all procedures meet international standards and are regularly updated to reflect changes in airspace design, technology, and operational requirements. This collaborative approach is essential for maintaining South Africa’s reputation as a safe and reliable aviation hub within the region.

For African travel professionals, the restoration of IFPs at key airports opens up new opportunities for route development, charter operations, and seamless passenger experiences. Reliable navigation procedures are a cornerstone of efficient air transport, enabling airlines to plan schedules with confidence and minimising the risk of delays or diversions. This, in turn, supports the broader tourism ecosystem, from hotels and ground handlers to tour operators and local businesses.

Looking ahead, ATNS’s progress in stabilising operations and rebuilding technical expertise is expected to have a lasting impact on the competitiveness of South Africa’s aviation sector. As the organisation continues to roll out new procedures and invest in infrastructure, the country’s airports will be better positioned to handle growing passenger volumes, attract new carriers, and support the expansion of intra-African and international air links.

In a rapidly evolving travel landscape, the ability to deliver safe, efficient, and dependable air navigation services is more important than ever. ATNS’s recent achievements signal a renewed commitment to excellence, offering reassurance to the travel industry and paving the way for a new era of growth and connectivity across South Africa’s skies.