Weak demand delays Bay regional airport reopening

SLOW economic activity, operational issues and a decline in travel demand have been cited as reasons for delaying flights to Richards Bay until May.

Airlink, the privately-owned airline currently operating the Johannesburg-Richards Bay route, said the postponement of flights has also been necessitated by the local airport’s inability to provide the necessary emergency services in the present economic climate.

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‘It is a classic catch-22 situation. Historically there was strong demand on the route, enough to sustain up to three flights every day.

‘However, the Level 3 Covid-19 restrictions have the consequence that only twenty per cent of the usual number of people is allowed to be on site at the Richards Bay Coal Terminal, which is the industrial heart of Richards Bay,’ said Airlink Managing Director and CEO, Rodger Foster.

‘This has been a major factor slowing the town’s industrial and economic tempo and epitomises the impact the lockdown typically has on the spectrum of Richards Bay businesses. As a result, passenger demand has weakened,’

Foster said Richards Bay airport management advised that the expense of providing the necessary fire and rescue emergency services to accommodate scheduled airline services cannot be justified until demand picks up.

‘We hope to resume services on the route in May, by which time we trust that the situation will have improved and the airport will once again be able to accommodate scheduled airline operations in compliance with the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s safety requirements,’ he said.
Businessman Mike Patterson said the resumption of flights is essential to restart the local economy.

‘The two-hour drive from King Shaka International is not always acceptable for people wanting to conduct business in Richards Bay.

‘It is for this reason that they are willing to pay a higher rate for the service. If there is demand for the route then it must be made available,’ he said.

Customers holding tickets for flights in February, March and April have been advised to submit requests to Airlink to be rebooked for travel at a later date, or for a refund.

The uMhlathuze Municipality said it is hopeful passenger demand will improve by May.

‘The city is not immune to the current economic climate and devastation created by the Covid-19 pandemic,’ said Communications Manager, Mdu Ncalane.

‘This has caused a decline in passenger demand. Government has been encouraging business to adopt a work from home strategy, affecting local industry which had been attracting passengers to the airport. The situation is currently beyond our control and we hope things will pick up and flights will resume as expected in May,’ Ncalane said.

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