FedAir Suspends Lodge Flights Amid New Aviation Regulations
Federal Airlines has suspended flights to select private game lodges in South Africa due to new aviation regulations that require aerodromes and heliports used for commercial air transport to be certified or licensed. The updated rules, outlined in Regulation 139 (subpart 5) of the 31st Amendment to the Civil Aviation Act, took effect on March 28, 2025, ending previous exemptions granted to airstrip operators.
FedAir stated it cannot legally operate flights to or from unlicensed or non-compliant runways under the new requirements. As a result, operations into all unapproved runways have been paused until further notice. The airline emphasized that while runway owners are responsible for meeting compliance standards, it is assisting those willing to upgrade their facilities.
FedAir is actively working with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and other stakeholders to help resume direct lodge flights as soon as possible. The airline confirmed its commitment to full regulatory compliance while maintaining reliable safari transport services.
FedAir’s Safari Shuttle typically connects travelers from Johannesburg O.R. Tambo and Mbombela to Kruger National Park and private reserves, with recent expansion to Madikwe and Marakele parks.
In a related development, South Africa’s Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) announced that revised instrument flight procedures (IFPs) have been approved for major airports including Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. However, IFPs for Bloemfontein, Upington, and Richards Bay are still pending submission.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has appointed an intervention team to address the IFP crisis, following months of safety concerns and criticism from airlines.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com