Still no flight plan for Richards Bay Airport

FIVE weeks after receiving the green light to reopen, Richards Bay Airport is yet to welcome any passengers.

The local airport relies on the airline operating the Johannesburg route to increase passenger numbers.

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‘Most of our passengers are business people, but companies have opted for online meetings rather than having employees travel,’ said Airport Manager, Oscar Nzima.

‘They are not in a hurry to book air travel with the Covid-19 cases still rising.

‘It is not feasible for an airline to travel from Johannesburg to Richards Bay with only five people – or less – on board.’

During the first phase of reopening domestic air travel, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said it had taken two weeks for airlines in the country’s busiest airports to build passenger numbers to at least 50% capacity.

While airlines observe the slow rise of passenger numbers, Nzima said they have been working to ensure all standard operating procedures are in place.

‘A plan was submitted to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), who have to ensure all protocols are in place before we welcome passengers.’

Included in this plan is early arrival of passengers for Covid-19 screening prior to boarding, with online check-ins to minimise human interaction.

Richards Bay Airport, which closed at the start of the lockdown, is among a number of airports that were permitted to reopen for business and essential travel as of 1 July.

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