Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) says flight delays and diversions are expected at three of South Africa’s international airports, as it undertakes maintenance on key flight procedures.

These include Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha, Polokwane International Airport in Limpopo, and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.

[WATCH] A critical systems failure reported by Air Traffic and Navigation Services has disrupted flight management at OR Tambo International Airport, leading to delays. SABC News reporter Mbalenhle Mthethwa has the details live from OR Tambo International Airport. pic.twitter.com/RhDx15J8xs

— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 1, 2025

ATNS spokesperson Mphilo Dlamini says the delays form part of a safety compliance programme approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

[WATCH] A critical systems failure reported by Air Traffic and Navigation Services has disrupted flight management at OR Tambo International Airport, leading to delays. SABC News reporter Mbalenhle Mthethwa has the details live from OR Tambo International Airport. pic.twitter.com/RhDx15J8xs

— SABC News (@SABCNews) August 1, 2025

Speaking about the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha, Dlamini says, “The instrument land procedure from runway 08 remains in use. The suspended runway procedure for 26 has been approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority and will be promulgated as soon as possible with an operational target date of 27 November 2025.”

Dlamini says the impact of this suspension in flight delays and diversions especially because the coastal airport is susceptible to climate weather conditions.

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