Flights grounded at East London’s King Phalo Airport due to severe weather conditions

Adverse weather conditions have forced flights to be grounded at East London’s King Phalo Airport on Tuesday, leaving travellers frustrated as they queued in snaking queues unsure when they would be able to board their flights.

The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) said flights were grounded until further notice as a result.

“The Airports Company South Africa confirms that due to adverse weather conditions in East London, all inbound and outbound flights have been postponed at King Phalo Airport today, 8 October 2024, until further notice.

“The weather conditions will be monitored throughout the day, and should conditions allow for optimal safe flight operations, normal operations will resume.

“Passengers are encouraged to continuously check flight information updates on ACSA App and directly with the airlines. ACSA apologises for the inconvenience caused,” said Acsa.

Most of the flights affected were operated by FlySafair.

“We try at all costs to avoid cancelling flights, but unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we are at times forced to do so.

“Certain Instrument Flight Procedures at some airports have been suspended, as recently communicated by the Airports Company South Africa. These procedures are undergoing mandatory periodic reviews as a safety measure.

“Therefore, under certain weather conditions, particularly with reduced visibility, aircraft may not be able to procedurally commence approach and landing.

“Passengers are encouraged to check flight information updates on the FlySafair website and the ACSA App. We will also communicate directly with passengers using the cell number and email address received during booking,” said the operator.

These are the flights that have been affected:

Cancelled Flights:

FA146 (cancelled)

FA147 (cancelled)

FA150 (cancelled)

FA151 (cancelled)

FA388 (cancelled)

FA389 (cancelled)

Delayed Flights:

FA382 will depart Johannesburg at 16:15 and arrive in East London at 17:50.

FA383 will depart East London at 18:25 and arrive in Johannesburg at 20:00.

FA249 will depart Johannesburg at 16:35 and arrive in East London at 18:10.

FA248 will depart East London at 18:45 and arrive in Johannesburg at 20:20.

FA142 will depart Cape Town at 16:45 and arrive in East London at 18:20.

FA143 will depart East London at 18:55 and arrive in Cape Town at 20:30.

FA240 will depart Johannesburg at 17:50 and arrive in East London at 19:25.

FA241 will depart East London at 20:00 and arrive in Johannesburg at 21:35.

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