Fibre network fault causing flights delays at Cape Town airport

Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has confirmed that a fibre network fault is causing flight delays at the Cape Town International Airport, which has started to spill over to other airports.

The fault required the airport to temporarily downgrade the instrument landing category status of the airport, Acsa said in a statement on Tuesday.

In aviation, an instrument landing system (ILS) helps pilots navigate the descent of an aircraft to the runway. It provides guidance signals for landing under normal or severe weather conditions.

Acsa said poor visibility conditions resulting from dense fog around the airport further exacerbated the challenges on Tuesday morning.

“Aircraft were unable to land at Cape Town International Airport and had to be diverted to other airports.”

“Acsa’s technicians are currently working on restoring the system and aircraft will be able to land once the fog lifts,” Acsa said.

The airports firm said the delays are impacting the schedules of other airports in the country.

“The delay in flights meant to land and depart from Cape Town International Airport will have a knock-on effect on other Acsa airports and will impact planned schedules,” it said.

“We urge passengers to contact the airlines they are travelling on and can check for regular updates on Acsa’s mobile app. We apologise to all our airport users and travellers for the inconvenience caused by this,” said Acsa.