Flights to airstrips servicing many private lodges in South Africa have been temporarily paused as runway owners seek to finalise compliance with new national aviation regulations governing the licensing and approval of the country’s aerodromes.
The new South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulations, gazetted in the 31st Amendment to the Civil Aviation Act on March 28, require all aerodromes and heliports that conduct commercial air transport operations to be certified, licensed or approved. The implementation comes after two consecutive 180-day exemptions from SACAA.
Leading private charter and shuttle provider Federal Airlines (FedAir), which services lodges and private game reserves around the country, led efforts to ensure lodges are prepared for the new regulations.
Nicole Schickerling, FedAir’s Commercial GM – Shuttle, says, after the final exemption ended in December 2024, SACAA agreed to a further waiver tied to the gazetting of the amendment by Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy.
“FedAir has been actively involved in the transition to the updated regulations – an initiative that began when the amendments were proposed in 2023. While the exact date wasn’t set in stone, most of us anticipated it would arrive in early 2025,” said Schickerling.
“In anticipation, FedAir and our fellow operators proactively engaged with aerodrome operators to keep them informed and supported throughout the process. Then, in true aviation style, the amendment made its surprise landing — officially setting the wheels in motion!”
Schickerling says FedAir has subsequently been forced to halt services to all unlicensed and/or non-approved runways.
“Understandably, a few runway owners were still finalising preparations when the announcement came through. Adhering to the new legislation, FedAir will remain compliant with the law and boost all efforts to get runway owners compliant as soon as possible to resume operations and elevate safety standards within the industry.”
She says FedAir has assembled a task team to help accelerate the process.
“Achieving full compliance can be a complex and time-intensive process. We’ve reached out to assist with compiling the necessary documentation required for submission by the respective airstrip owners or managing entities.”
In the interim, the airline is working with its DMC partners and lodge operators to identify compliant alternative runways for guests, she says.
“Our primary goal is to restore access to affected destinations within our network as soon as possible, ensuring steps are taken towards full regulatory compliance while upholding the highest standards of safety and service excellence.”
SATSA CEO David Frost says SACAA has acknowledged the disruption caused and is committed to fast-tracking the processing of runway approval applications to restore air access.
“While the current situation is understandably frustrating, SATSA does not foresee a long-term disruption. The pathway to compliance is clear and, with ongoing collaboration between aviation operators, lodge owners and SACAA, we are confident that full air access will be restored swiftly,” states Frost in a notice to the association’s members.
“SATSA remains committed to advocating for transparency and urgency in this process and will continue to support the tourism and aviation sectors throughout.”
According to SATSA, the following runways within the Greater Kruger National Park area are compliant and operating normally:
- Ulusaba
- Singita Sabi Sand
- MalaMala
- Londolozi
- Sabi Sabi
- Royal Malewane
- Garonga
