The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has confirmed that a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued in relation to the Richards Bay Airport (FARB) in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday, 8 March 2024.
According to SACAA, the NOTAM informed of the downgrade of the aerodrome from a Category 5 to a Category 2 due to safety concerns and non-compliance to Civil Aviation Regulations.
“The SACAA would like to clarify that the downgrade of the FARB followed an
inspection by the Regulator which identified the risks related to their fire and rescue services that do not meet the required safety standards under this grading. Under a Category 2 classification, an aerodrome is not permitted to land commercial aircraft and is only granted permissions for small aircraft,” SACAA explained.
The Regulator will consider a higher aerodrome categorisation application as soon as FARB submits a corrective action plan that showcases compliance as well as the mitigation of safety risks that were identified at the airport, SACAA also clarified.
Richards Bay Airport shoed on its website that “On December 4, 2023, Airlink introduced the Embraer 170 Aircraft to enhance the travel experience on the Johannesburg-Richards Bay route.”
It added that Richards Bay Airport operates under a concession managed by ACSA, with air traffic control services expertly provided by Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS).
It also stated hat the airport features a single runway, designated as 05/23, boasting a length of 1,300m and a width of 21m, with a PCN (Pavement Classification Number) of 27. While the specified ICAO width for a Code 2B runway is 23m, our runway remains accommodative within this category.
“It’s important to note that the airport lacks a parallel taxiway, necessitating landing aircraft to turn on the runway and taxi back to the terminal or general aviation area. The maximum wingspan for aircraft accommodated at the airport is 24m,” it said.
“The airport is equipped with Category V rescue and firefighting facilities, operating as Category IV according to ICAO Annex 14 Table 9-1 standards. This ensures a secure and well-prepared environment for the safety of all operations,” it also stated.
