South Africa’s largest domestic airline says growing air traffic management constraints are forcing carriers to redesign flight schedules, with Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport emerging as the country’s biggest operational bottleneck.
FlySafair, which transports more than half of South Africa’s domestic airline passengers, said limited runway and air traffic control capacity has become one of the most significant challenges affecting daily operations and long-term network planning.
Although Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) has made progress in recruiting controllers and modernising navigation systems, airlines say capacity limitations continue to affect operational efficiency at the country’s busiest airports.
According to FlySafair Chief Marketing Officer Kirby Gordon, the airline has not cancelled or postponed planned route launches because of the constraints. However, flight schedules now need to be built around the realities of available air traffic capacity rather than purely commercial considerations.
The result has been longer taxi times, departure delays and reduced flexibility when designing flight networks centred on OR Tambo International Airport.
Years of operational challenges continue to affect the aviation sector
South Africa’s aviation industry has spent the past two years dealing with shortages of qualified air traffic controllers and delays in maintaining instrument flight procedures, which pilots rely on when weather conditions reduce visibility.
Last year, more than 340 instrument procedures either expired or were suspended after maintenance work was not completed on schedule. The disruption contributed to repeated delays and flight cancellations during periods of poor weather.
As concerns grew, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy appointed an expert intervention team in late 2024 to assess the challenges facing ATNS.
The review identified several critical issues, including staffing shortages, ageing communication and navigation infrastructure, suspended flight procedures and weaknesses in operational governance.
Government has since launched recruitment programmes and infrastructure upgrades aimed at restoring the country’s air traffic management capability. However, officials acknowledged earlier this year that many suspended procedures would not be fully restored before temporary exemptions expire, requiring authorities to prioritise the country’s busiest airports.
ATNS said the organisation has made significant progress in rebuilding flight procedure capability and strengthening the resilience of South Africa’s air navigation system.
Industry calls for long-term stability
ATNS noted that air traffic control staffing shortages have affected airports worldwide, including major aviation hubs such as Newark and Sydney.
The organisation said airlines should develop schedules that reflect operational realities and safety requirements instead of focusing exclusively on commercial objectives.
According to ATNS, unrealistic scheduling assumptions can contribute to operational inefficiencies, increase pressure on controllers and pilots, and potentially create additional safety risks.
Despite ongoing operational challenges, Gordon stressed that South Africa continues to maintain a strong aviation safety record, with airlines and ATNS remaining committed to ensuring that safety standards are never compromised.
Air traffic management issues are also adding to broader financial pressures facing airlines. FlySafair has previously said softer passenger demand following fuel surcharge increases—driven by higher global oil prices during the US-Iran conflict—has made route expansion less attractive while raising operating costs.
As the aviation industry continues to recover from multiple operational and economic pressures, Gordon said long-term stability within South Africa’s air traffic management system will be essential for future growth.
“A stable, well-resourced air traffic system benefits every participant in the aviation sector,” he said.
Source: Bloomberg; FlySafair; Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS).