As Level 3 restrictions of lockdown slowly ease, seven airports will resume operations for domestic travel, and some for authorised international travel.
Seven more airports will reopen July 1.
From July 1, the following airports will resume operations:
– Bram Fischer International Airport
– Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
– Pietermaritzburg Airport
– Port Elizabeth International Airport
– Richardsbay Airport
– Skukuza Airport
– Upington International Airport.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said during a press briefing that after the first airports opened (OR Tambo, King Shaka, Cape Town and Lanseria International airports) it took them almost two weeks to build passenger numbers to at least 50% capacity.
Mbalula urged stakeholders in the aviation industry to be cautious going forward.
‘As more airports are opened, this will naturally increase the number of passengers at airports and therefore measures have been put in place to ensure that passengers are prepared for their experience at the airports to avoid congestion mainly at security checkpoints,’ he said. ‘While this works perfectly at the airports currently, it will need to be managed properly as we open for more activity.’
Mbalula also spoke about the onboard carrying of sanitiser, which is classified as prohibited on flights due to its flammability.
He said that the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) now permits the carrying limited quantities as a safety measure in compliance with existing regulations.
The SACAA also reviewed its earlier decision of no catering on board, and will permit airlines to provide pre-packed meals.
Today we announced several changes on the opening of civil aviation activities during advanced Alert Level 3. #StaySafe @Dotransport
READ: https://t.co/erS0FwGE7U pic.twitter.com/njC9zAveDI
— Minister of Transport |Mr Fix (@MbalulaFikile) June 29, 2020
Image credit: Unsplash
