As flight disruptions continue to affect the aviation industry, travel insurance has become an essential safeguard for passengers facing the uncertainties of delays, cancellations, and diversions. The ongoing approval process for the flight procedures for runway 11 at George Airport has added a layer of risk for travellers, with no definitive timeline for resolution from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).
In a statement on 29 October, Mphilo Dlamini, the head of corporate affairs and communications at Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS), confirmed that they are still awaiting SACAA’s approval for the instrument flight procedures for the runway. “We are hopeful. Unfortunately, it is beyond our control as our regulator, SACAA, handles that process,” Dlamini said.
The delay has raised concerns for airlines operating in the region, particularly in relation to flight diversions. FlySafair’s chief marketing officer, Kirby Gordon, highlighted that while the airline absorbs the costs of additional fuel, landing fees, and other operational services during diversions, they do not cover costs incurred by passengers due to delays or diversions. “We cover this off in the booking terms and conditions, and the advice is to purchase travel insurance that would fulfill that gap,” Gordon added.
Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) and Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) have reiterated that their financial responsibility does not extend to passengers, as their agreements are strictly with the airlines. “If you are traveling overseas via connecting flights, it’s generally wise to book your whole trip with a single carrier who will book you connecting flights as part of an interline agreement,” said Gordon. He added that this ensures protection in case of delays or diversions, as airlines handle the logistics for the entire journey.
Gordon also suggested booking flights conservatively, leaving ample time between connections, especially given the ongoing issues surrounding runway 11. He emphasised the importance of travel insurance, which can cover various situations, including delays and missing items. “Your credit card may give you some basic cover which you’re possibly not conscious of, so you should check that out,” he advised.
Meanwhile, the aviation industry continues to grapple with the impact of these disruptions. Aaron Munetsi, CEO of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), underscored the severe consequences of the recent withdrawal of flight procedures at some airports. “The recent withdrawal is almost unrecoverable,” Munetsi said during AASA’s annual general meeting in October. He explained that airlines are forced to resort to survival tactics, shouldering the financial burden of recovery, operating costs, and fuel, all while working to rebuild their customer experiences. “Passengers lose confidence in the airlines and in the destination, and they simply move to places where there is certainty,” Munetsi added.
AASA reported 3,892 delays, 77 cancelled flights, and 12 diversions between 19 July and 9 October, resulting in a staggering 63.25 days of cumulative delay time. Munetsi emphasised that the industry can only find reassurance once a firm timeline for the reinstatement of flight procedures is confirmed by SACAA.
As travellers face an uncertain future with ongoing flight disruptions, securing travel insurance is becoming a necessary step in mitigating the risks associated with cancellations, diversions, and delays.
