South Africa's Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) has attributed Sunday's flight disruptions at OR Tambo International Airport to severe weather, reversing an initial claim of staff shortages. Airlines, including Airlink, dispute this, pointing to ongoing capacity issues and suspended procedures. The incident highlights a broader crisis in the country's aviation infrastructure.
On Sunday, 4 January 2026, travellers at OR Tambo International Airport faced significant delays and diversions as they returned home after the festive season. ATNS initially cited 'temporary human resource constraints at the Air Traffic Control station' as the main cause. However, by Monday morning, the agency issued a statement clarifying that operations had stabilised and blaming 'severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms which disrupted approach paths,' rather than staffing issues.
Domestic carriers rejected this explanation. Airlink, the largest independent regional airline, stated: 'The delays stem from the Air Traffic Navigation Service’s failure to ensure it has sufficient staff to accommodate and manage the normal scheduled traffic.' The airline also noted that several instrument flight procedures at OR Tambo remain suspended, some withdrawn as recently as 9 December 2025, after ATNS failed to renew their validity. This 'paperwork paralysis' limits operations during poor visibility and exemplifies a structural crisis plaguing South African aviation since mid-2024.
The Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) has described the situation as an 'economic disaster.' ATNS Acting CEO Matome Moholola admitted the entity struggles to maintain 388 national flight procedures with only two permanent staff members and a few contractors, unable to compete with higher salaries abroad. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy responded by suspending ATNS CEO Nosipho Mdawe on precautionary grounds and appointing a Ministerial Intervention Team to address 'grave and material issues.'
The team prioritises international hubs like OR Tambo and Cape Town to sustain tourism and logistics, while regional airports such as Richards Bay and Mthatha face suspensions. Despite stabilisation, Sunday's events serve as a warning amid ongoing recruitment and infrastructure efforts.
