George Airport experienced flight disruptions again earlier this week (January 27 and 28) due to incomplete instrument landing system (ILS) flight procedures for Runway 11.

“The weather conditions around the airport are not conducive to and safe for aircraft to operate, with wind direction favouring the use of Runway 11, whose (ILS) flight procedure is still under maintenance,” ATNS said in a statement.

FlySafair announced the cancellation of six flights between Johannesburg and George on January 27 and 28. This marks the second major disruption this month. On January 12, the suspension of ILS flight procedures for Runway 11 led to multiple cancellations for FlySafair and Airlink. 

At the time, Mphilo Dlamini, Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications at ATNS Head Office, said the required surveys were being finalised, and efforts were under way to obtain approvals.

This issue dates back to July 19, 2024, when ATNS notified aircraft operators of the indefinite suspension of ILS flight procedures at airports across the country.

Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy, set a November deadline for ATNS to resolve the matter, but the deadline was missed.