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OR Tambo Delays Ease After Storms; Airlines Fault ATNS Staffing

Airlines continue to point to staffing shortfalls despite ATNS’s weather explanation.

Overview

  • Travelers faced severe delays on Sunday during the post‑holiday return, with many reporting poor information on airport displays and channels.
  • ATNS initially cited temporary staffing constraints before clarifying that severe thunderstorms caused the afternoon diversions.
  • The agency says contingency measures were activated and operations returned to normal by Monday morning under ongoing monitoring.
  • Airlink reported diversions to Gaborone and Durban that left aircraft and crews out of position and is working to recover its schedule.
  • The disruption refocuses attention on 2025 findings of ATNS controller shortages, suspended instrument procedures, and safety‑governance weaknesses.