Airport systems a worry as key controls at OR Tambo reach end of days – source

A recent claim about a presidential plane diversion has reignited concerns over the reliability of airport systems in South Africa. According to an insider, an alleged diversion occurred last week at OR Tambo International Airport due to a lack of available instrument approaches and departures. ATNS, the body responsible for air traffic control, neither confirmed nor denied the diversion, stating that Air Force Base Waterkloof, where the alleged diversion occurred, falls outside their jurisdiction.

The source alleged that more than half of OR Tambo's instrument departure procedures were unavailable, with only two departures possible on Runway 21 and two on Runway 03. ATNS disputed this, stating that they currently have 8 standard terminal arrival routes and 4 standard instrument departures available, with one SID expected to become operational next month. However, one of those SIDs is currently unusable due to a pending codependence on an un-published Star.

Another point of concern emerged concerning the validity of instrument landing system (ILS) approaches at OR Tambo. Duncan Gillespie claimed on a private Facebook group that the ILS approaches for Runways 03 Left and 21 Right expire today, followed by Runways 03 Right and 21 Left next Monday. ATNS, however, stated that their instrument approach procedures remain available and that no calibration flight or recertification is scheduled.

Lanseria airport's ILS was also reported as unusable, while Wonderboom had no instrument approach available. ATNS denied the latter claim, stating that an alternative global navigation satellite system (GNSS) approach procedure is available at Lanseria, providing instrument approach capability during the ILS replacement process. However, ATNS did not provide specific information about Wonderboom Airport's status.

Staffing shortages have also been identified as a challenge, with Johannesburg Approach reportedly operating with fewer than 50% of the required controllers, resulting in flow restrictions. Qualified controllers continue to leave for better-paying jobs overseas. ATNS disputes these claims, admitting that their staffing level at OR Tambo's Approach pool is at 70%, and no air traffic flow management restrictions have been implemented this year due to staff shortage.

The Department of Defence has not responded to queries about Air Force Base Waterkloof and the presidential diversion.