South Africa's aviation sector endured an unprecedented operational crisis in 2025, as systemic infrastructure failures and administrative lapses at Acsa and Air Traffic and Navigation Services ATNS undermined reliability across the network.
While Acsa battled high-profile infrastructure breakdowns from jet fuel supply disruptions to recurring power outages and security bottlenecks ATNS fell behind on renewing essential Instrument Flight Procedures IFPs, triggering widespread suspensions and delays.
Together, these failures cost airlines millions, disrupted schedules and eroded confidence in the safety and stability of the aviation ecosystem.
