Mthatha Airport ‘not yet ready’

In the two weeks since Mthatha Airport was grounded, the Eastern Cape transport department has not done enough to persuade the SA Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to allow commercial jets to use the airport.

This is despite efforts by the department of transport to address several safety and management issues flagged by the CAA when it barred larger flights on January 24. On Wednesday the aviation authority confirmed it is not yet ready to reinstate the airport’s status.

CAA spokesperson Kabelo Ledwaba said the airport’s management had contacted them and, as with all operators, the aviation authority had offered additional guidance on what needed to be attended to.

“As much as there is some progress, we have not yet reached a stage where we can reinstate the airport's category 4 status. As such, the status quo remains the same. However, the operator has put on record their commitment to continue to cooperate and address the findings,” said Ledwaba.

Last month when the CAA downgraded the airport it cited shortcomings in the rescue and fire-fighting services as well as the aerodrome emergency management system.

The department responded saying it wanted to meet with the CAA to iron out their differences.

Department spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie said on Wednesday the MEC had dispatched a team that included aviation experts from other institutions to this meeting, which was held last week.

“This was to speed up responses to the issues raised by CAA. The fire and rescue matters raised have been concluded and the firefighters needed for an airport of the size of Mthatha fully meet all the necessary requirements related to training,” said Rantjie.