Business Leaders Demand Review of Landing Rules at Pietermaritzburg Airport Amid Flight Disruptions

Business leaders in Pietermaritzburg are raising concerns over new landing protocols at the city’s airport, saying the rules are causing costly flight delays and diversions that threaten the viability of a key business route.

In recent months, at least 12 Airlink flights between Pietermaritzburg and Johannesburg were delayed or rerouted, primarily due to new regulations imposed by the Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) that require pilots to abort landings if the runway isn’t visible from a higher altitude during cloudy conditions.

Economic Impact of Flight Disruptions

Melanie Veness, CEO of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB), says the disruptions have a direct effect on the city’s economy. “Reliable flights between Pietermaritzburg and Johannesburg are essential in facilitating business,” she explained. “If the new limits are unreasonable and they compromise the route, then consideration needs to be given to reverting to the old standards.”

The situation has frustrated both passengers and businesses. “People pay a premium for direct flights to avoid the delays and frustration caused by N3 and N2 roadworks. But when flights are cancelled or diverted, they end up enduring those same road issues anyway,” Veness added.

What Changed at the Airport?

Previously, pilots landing at Pietermaritzburg Airport could descend to a lower altitude before needing visual confirmation of the runway. The new procedure raises that minimum altitude, increasing the likelihood of aborted landings during cloudy or misty weather—common in the region.

Airlink spokesperson Linden Birns confirmed that the rule change was made by ATNS and not the airline. “These changes were introduced recently, and while we are committed to passenger safety, we are working with PMCB to seek a solution that maintains both safety and reliability.”

He noted that the previous protocols had been safely in use for over a decade, based on international standards and approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

Aviation Experts Call for Airport-Specific Guidelines

Aviation expert Guy Leitch emphasized that Pietermaritzburg’s frequent low cloud cover requires a more tailored approach. “ATNS needs to customize guidelines to each airport’s conditions to ensure safe and consistent operations.”

Leitch also pointed out that ATNS itself has faced operational issues, prompting Transport Minister Barbara Creecy to establish a committee to investigate and recommend urgent staffing and technology upgrades to improve flight safety and efficiency.

Calls for Urgent Action

While safety remains the top priority, local businesses insist that economic implications cannot be ignored. “This flight route is vital to our economy,” said Veness. “If disruptions continue, not only will the route be threatened, but the city’s hopes of securing additional air connections will be severely hampered.”

Both the PMCB and Airlink have pledged to continue engaging with ATNS and SACAA to resolve the issue without compromising safety standards.

{Source: The Witness}

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