Air traffic operations at OR Tambo return to normal after disruptions

STAFFING CONSTRAINTS

- THOBEKA NGEMA

AIR TRAFFIC operations at O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) have fully resumed, as confirmed by Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS).

The disruptions experienced on Sunday were primarily due to weather conditions, with initial reports attributing delays to staffing constraints.

"ATNS confirms that air traffic operations at O.R. Tambo International Airport are normal this morning, with services continuing as planned. However, the nature of aviation is such that operations should remain subject to constant close monitoring and evaluation," said ATNS corporate affairs and communications head Mphilo K Dlamini.

This comes after an ATNS media statement on Sunday indicating that flight delays are being experienced at ORTIA. The service also said that delays were primarily due to temporary human resource constraints at the Air Traffic Control station.

However, in its update, ATNS clarified that "the flight diversions experienced on Sunday afternoon were not caused by human resource constraints, but were the result of severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms, which temporarily affected safe aircraft operations within the O.R. Tambo International Airport airspace".