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Sport: Air traffic control plans for World Cup

Plans are being drawn up for the movement of football fans around the country before, during and after this year’s FIFA World Cup.

Up to 500,000 international supporters are expected to fly into South Africa for the 11 June-11 July tournament, which will see matches in nine cities around the country.

Organisers are planning a “three hub” approach to air traffic, whereby flights from the Americas will land at Cape Town, flights from Europe at Johannesburg and flights from Asia at Durban. According to transport department spokesman Sam Monareng, the strategy will only affect additional flights, including charters, from these geographical areas and not existing services.

Discussions are also under way with the military to use air force bases for aircraft parking should the need arise.

The international airports at Cape Town and Johannesburg are being upgraded for the World Cup, while a new international airport is under construction at Durban to replace the existing facility and should be ready in May. Cape Town airport will be operating 24 hours a day and airport staff are already working with the local authorities to ensure comprehensive and integrated transport services for visitors to the Mother City including buses, taxis and car rentals.

Meanwhile South African Airways (SAA) has signed an agreement with Match, the official provider of tickets, accommodation and logistics for the World Cup, to provide 45,000 return flights for customers to fly between Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town during the tournament. Other domestic airlines have also said they will be increasing capacity.

The Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) has estimated that domestic air traffic will increase by up to 30 per cent.

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