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Eight flights to George Airport cancelled

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Eight flights destined for George in the Garden Route had to be cancelled on Monday, leaving passengers stranded.

FlySafair said it was due to the adverse weather conditions and the suspension of critical Air Traffic Navigation System so-called ATNS procedures at the George Airport.

A spokesperson says it is circumstances beyond their control and apologised for the significant inconvenience.

Severe weather conditions have been predicted for most parts of the Eastern Cape ranging from Level two to five for heavy rains and flooding.

One passenger told Algoa FM News her flight to George landed at the Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport in Gqeberha after which she had to rent a vehicle to get back home to Mossel Bay as flights were reportedly returning to Johannesburg.

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During September, and earlier this month several flights had to be cancelled at the King Phalo Airport for similar reasons.

This was after the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) suspended the ATNS procedures for operations which has since been lifted.

Again, FlySafair said it was circumstances out of their control 

The Airline said the safety of passengers is of the utmost importance and ATNS failed to have the procedures for landing in certain weather conditions renewed as per regulations.

FlySafair said it was actively working with ATNS and SACAA, both entities of the state, which are bound by strict regulations, to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

The Airline added that the disruptions were part of a longer ATNS procedural backlog that will require more comprehensive action in future.