High-risk aircrafts likely to be turned back, warns Transport Department
The Department of Transport has warned that aircraft from high-risk countries, which violate the country’s travel ban, will most likely be turned back.
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula briefed media at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday on the travel bans announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday.
Germany, South Korea, Italy, the United States, United Kingdom, Iran and China have been announced as no-go zones by the World Health Organisation due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
“Should nationals from high-risk countries be airborne and land in the country ATNS (Air Traffic and Navigation Services), together with Acsa (Airports Company of South Africa), will follow the process where the aircraft will be redirected to a remote parking apron and the relevant authorities will be notified,” said Mbalula.
The department’s deputy director-general Alec Moemi said no passengers will be allowed out of the plane when it lands.
“The normal protocol is that the flight will be put on a further runaway that has been designated by Acsa. Once they are there, their flight is quickly escorted making sure that no one gets out. The relevant authorities that include the National Institute of Communicable Diseases and police surround that aircraft and process it as a rogue. But eventually we have to send it back.”
The new regulations to enforce the travel ban will be gazetted on Wednesday, the same day the ban is scheduled to kick in.
“Once the regulations are gazetted the ministerial order will be communicated to Acsa and the other entities for implementation, with the communicated date indicated included. Officials communication will be made in line with the relevant protocols by the entities to all affected countries and foreign nationals,” Mbalula confirmed.