POLOKWANE – Passengers travelling to and from the Polokwane International Airport should prepare for possible delays and flight cancellations following the suspension of instrument flight procedures.

According to Gateway Airport Authority Limited (Gaal), the Air Traffic Navigation Service (ATNS) has temporarily suspended these procedures nationwide.

Tshepo Ramokgopa, part of commercial services at Gaal said the move could affect flight schedules, especially at night or during poor weather conditions such as mist, clouds, or rain.

“Instrument flight procedures allow pilots to land using navigation instruments rather than relying on visibility. With these procedures currently unavailable, flights are restricted to visual approaches which is only possible in clear weather,” Ramokgopa explained.

GAAL said the suspension stems from ATNS’s review of flight procedures to ensure compliance with updated safety requirements from the South African Civil Aviation Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

“Under this suspension, pilots may fly visual approaches in favourable weather conditions, however, at night or during cloudy, misty or rainy weather, approaches may not always be permissible and as such some flights, especially morning flights might be affected,” Ramokgopa explained.

Gaal said it is working closely with airlines to minimise disruptions, but asks passengers for patience.

“GAAL will, in consultation with the airline do its best to maintain normal schedule, however it is possible that some of the flights may be delayed or in the worst-case scenario be cancelled.