Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has announced interventions to stabilise and rebuild the Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) entity of the Department.

She is briefing the media, alongside the Ministerial Intervention Team that was tasked to investigate the source of problems at the Air Traffic and Navigation Services Board and Management.

Creecy says a process is underway to appoint more personnel and that Safety Management systems are now in place. She further notes that all the recommendations of the Civil Aviation Authority on safety would be implemented.

In December last year, Creecy established a committee of aviation experts to investigate the root cause of the problems that have beset the Air Traffic and Navigation Services in recent times, related to flight instrument procedures that have been the source of flight delays at various airports.

Minister Barbara Creecy holds a Press Conference on ATNS Overhaul:

ATNS report

A report into the conduct of the suspended CEO of the Air Traffic Navigation Services is expected in the next 4 to 6 weeks.

Nozipho Mdawe was placed under investigation following several challenges at the entity, including unreliable navigation systems which saw amongst others, flights delayed in December 2024.

The transport ministry has acknowledged that there was a lapse in submitting flight procedures to the Civil Aviation Authority for approval, a process that should have been completed long ago. These procedures encompass essential details regarding take-offs and landings.

Now those plans have to be submitted to the CAA by the 8th of April for approval. But if the CAA does not approve there might be a problem.

Creecy says, “Of the 300 procedures there are 66 due to expire on 10 April and they have now separated them. The large airports we are submitting to CAA to give an alternative. For the other airports, we would need to apply for a longer term. If we land up in the worst-case scenario, we won’t be able to fly on instruments in bad weather at smaller airports. We want to prioritize safety. We are working to ensure we will be able to fly on instruments at big airports but delayed at smaller airports… The information we were receiving from ATNS was not accurate.”

An intervention team was put together in December last year to address the challenges at the Air Traffic Navigation Services, and four key areas were identified including critical staff shortages.

Creecy adds “They have now advertised posts for skilled staff. Two former ATNS officials were appointed. They also making offers to 13 other staff. They also want to recruit 10 instructors.”