Chaos for 3,000 Airlink passengers at Polokwane and Richards Bay from 21 October due to ATNS blunder

Airlink flights to and from Polokwane International Airport (KMIA) and Richards Bay are experiencing significant disruptions due to a failure by Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) to renew crucial instrument flight procedures (IFPs). This has led to delays, diversions, and cancellations, impacting over 3,000 passengers. Airlink’s CEO, De Villiers Engelbrecht, has stated the airline is working hard to minimise the inconvenience to travellers, explaining that while flights would normally operate safely in summer conditions, the suspension of IFPs severely limits operations.

Key details of the disruptions

• Airports affected: Polokwane International Airport (KMIA) and Richards Bay.
• Cause of disruption: Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) failed to renew the airports’ instrument flight procedures (IFPs).
• Airline affected: Airlink.
• Impact on passengers: Delays, diversions, and cancellations affecting over 3,000 passengers across the country.
• Statement from Airlink CEO: De Villiers Engelbrecht confirmed the disruptions and stated that the airline is working to ensure passengers reach their destinations with as little inconvenience as possible. He highlighted that the suspension of IFPs places severe limits on operations, even though normal summer conditions would otherwise allow safe flights.
• Advice to passengers: Airlink advises customers to check their Flight Info page, mobile app, or contact their travel agents for the latest updates.
• Date of incident: The tweet from Limpopo Chronicle was posted on 21 October 2025, indicating the disruptions were ongoing around this date.

A summary of the story

Travellers using Airlink services to or from Polokwane International Airport (KMIA) and Richards Bay are facing considerable travel chaos. The root of the problem lies with Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS), which has not renewed the essential instrument flight procedures (IFPs) for these airports. These procedures are vital for guiding aircraft safely, especially in challenging weather or low visibility conditions. Without them, flights are severely restricted. Airlink, the airline bearing the brunt of these operational limitations, has confirmed that this has resulted in a wave of delays, diversions, and outright cancellations. CEO De Villiers Engelbrecht has acknowledged the situation and assured passengers that the airline is doing its best to manage the fallout and get people to their destinations with minimal disruption. However, he pointed out that the suspension of IFPs significantly hampers their ability to operate as usual, even during the generally favourable summer weather. The disruptions have already affected a substantial number of travellers, with over 3,000 passengers impacted across the country. Passengers are being strongly advised by Airlink to stay informed by regularly checking the airline’s Flight Info page, their mobile app, or by getting in touch with their travel agents for the most up-to-date information regarding their flights.

Frequently asked questions

• Q1: What exactly are instrument flight procedures (IFPs)?
  A1: IFPs are detailed charts and instructions used by pilots to navigate aircraft safely to and from an airport, especially when visibility is poor or during nighttime. They rely on aircraft instruments and ground-based navigation aids.
• Q2: Why are these IFPs important for Airlink flights?
  A2: The suspension of IFPs means that flights cannot operate as reliably or safely in all conditions. This can force airlines like Airlink to delay, divert, or cancel flights to ensure passenger safety.
• Q3: How many passengers have been affected by these disruptions?
  A3: Over 3,000 passengers across the country have been affected by the delays, diversions, and cancellations.
• Q4: What is Airlink doing to help passengers?
  A4: Airlink is working to get passengers to their destinations with minimal inconvenience and is advising them to check for updates via their Flight Info page, mobile app, or travel agents.
• Q5: Is this problem likely to continue for a long time?
  A5: The article doesn’t specify a timeline, but the issue stems from ATNS failing to renew the IFPs, so the duration of the disruption will depend on when those procedures are reinstated.
• Q6: Where can I find more news about aviation disruptions in the region?
  A6: You can find more stories like this on https://www.cityofthohoyandou.co.za/category/news/. You can also see the original tweet here: https://x.com/LimChronicle/status/1980563181400392137.