By Nicholas Maweni
As a frequent business traveller, I often find that I spend more time in airport lounges than in my own home lounge. This gives me a unique perspective on the nuances of air travel and a deep appreciation for the importance of safety in aviation. With the festive season bringing increased travel, the recent refuelling challenge faced by the Airport Company South Africa (Acsa) warrants a discussion on the need to prioritise safety over convenience.
Refuelling incidents, while serious, are rare, thanks to the stringent safety protocols and comprehensive training programs that are in place at major airports, including those managed by Acsa.
It is important to remember the risks involved, such as fuel spills which can lead to fire hazards and environmental damage. The 2001 tragic accident in Tampa International Airport, Florida, where a disconnection of a refuelling hose resulted in a fatality, serves as a sombre reminder of the potential consequences of even minor oversights.
Recently, Acsa encountered a problem with a faulty valve, a seemingly small component, had a magnified impact as it hindered aircraft refuelling operations, causing delays during the bustling start of the festive season. This issue, though swiftly addressed, resulted in delays of 4-5 hours.
While these delays are understandably frustrating, especially at the start of the festive season when the volume of travel increases significantly, they underscore a crucial point: safety must always be our paramount concern.
However, the delay, albeit inconvenient, is a preferable alternative to the severe consequences of compromised aircraft safety mid-air. I would rather endure a 10-hour delay than contend with the anxiety of a potential mid-air crisis due to overlooked safety protocols. The rigorous inspection and maintenance of refuelling equipment, along with stringent regulatory oversight, are vital for ensuring airport safety.
Flight delays are a global issue, not unique to South Africa. For example, an IT malfunction at Edinburgh Airport on 15 December 2024 led to significant disruptions and in November 2024, San Francisco International Airport experienced delays due to adverse weather.
Additionally, a technical problem in the UK’s air traffic control system in August 2023 disrupted around 700 000 passengers, causing numerous flight cancellations. These incidents serve as reminders of the complex interplay of factors that can affect airport operations, ranging from technical glitches to natural phenomena.
The leadership of Mrs Mpumi Mpofu, Acsa’s CEO, deserves recognition rather than criticism in this instance. Mrs Mpofu, with her strong background in the transport sector, including her tenure as the Director General of the Department of Transport, has been pivotal in steering ACSA through various challenges. Her strategic vision has significantly contributed to operational efficiencies, improved customer services and an innovative approach within ACSA.
Under her leadership, Acsa has achieved impressive financial and operational milestones, including a 16% revenue increase from the previous financial year and a dramatic turnaround to a profit before tax of R1.4 billion. These achievements are indicative of a thriving organisation effectively managing its resources.
The global recognition of ACSA’s major airports – OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA), Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) and King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) – continue to garner international accolades, confirming their status among the best globally. Their achievements in operational efficiency, customer satisfaction and infrastructure quality set benchmarks for other airports.
For instance, CTIA’s recent ranking as the second-best airport globally by AirHelp highlights its superior management and service quality, which should be celebrated as a point of national pride.
Criticism of Acsa’s management, particularly in light of these achievements and in the face of unforeseen challenges, appears to be politically motivated rather than performance-based or factual analysis. Acsa's commitment to maintaining world-class standards and ensuring passenger safety is evident through its robust infrastructure and the capable leadership of Mrs Mpofu and her team.
So, as I pack my overnight bag for yet another journey through the airport, ready for an important airport announcement, I recognise the importance of supporting the institutions and leaders who navigate these complexities daily.
While I am no aviation expert, but as a patriotic and active citizen, I sure can distinguish a political mudslinging with strong character assassination to the leadership of Acsa from genuine critique.
The aviation industry is complex and delays—whether due to technical glitches, weather, or equipment malfunctions—are sometimes unavoidable.
As we embark on our festive travels, let us have confidence in Acsa’s ability to manage our airports safely and efficiently. The occasional delay, though frustrating, is a small price to pay for ensuring that every passenger reaches their destination safely.
Nicholas Maweni is chairperson of SAMRO, Chairperson of Valued Citizens Initiative, CEO of Munsoft, Former Chairperson of Amnesty International South Africa, LLD student and writing in his personal capacity.
BUSINESS REPORT