Are SA airlines at risk of losing access to US and EU airspace?

Loading player...
GUEST – Guy Leitch - Aviation Analyst



SOURCE: [BusinessDay News]



SA runs the risk of being denied access to US and EU airspace should it continue contravening laws that govern the investigation of civil aviation accidents.



Such a move would devastate tourism between SA and its key trading partners.

The risk, identified by the department of transport in its draft civil aviation policy, means EU and US airlines could also be barred from entering SA’s airspace, forming a double-edged sword pointed at Africa’s largest economy, which identifies tourism as a key economic growth lever.



This risk, which the department of transport will table before the cabinet, exists because SA has not established an independent body to investigate aviation accidents and incidents as required by annex 13 to the Chicago Convention, which demands accident investigations be conducted independently and impartially.



That task is carried out by the Civil Aviation Authority, which is insufficiently independent of the government, according to the Chicago Convention.
28 May 2PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Mango Airlines Heading Towards Final Winding Down

Guest – Sipho Sono – Business Rescue Practitioner At Mango Airlines Low-cost carrier Mango Airlines is heading towards a final winding down after the investor waiting to acquire it pulled out of the process. In a circular published by the Business Rescue Practitioners (BRPs), the group confirmed that the investor,…
20 Aug 1PM 11 min

Competition Commission’s Take On The Rand Manipulation Case

Guest – Makgale Mohlala - Competition Commission Head of Cartels Local and international banks, previously cleared by the Competition Appeal Court (CAC) of allegations regarding their collusion to manipulate the rand against the US dollar, now face renewed scrutiny as the Competition Commission prepares to take the matter to trial…
20 Aug 1PM 12 min

Fewer Salaries Paid Within The R40,000 R100,000 Salary Range

Guest – Elize Kruger - Independent economist New salary data from BankservAfrica shows that fewer salaries are being paid over R40,000 a month, pointing to increased job losses among higher earners in South Africa. This is more broadly reflected in average pay data, which declined slightly in July 2025, falling…
20 Aug 12PM 8 min