Cape Town International Airport

Cape Town and Durban’s King Shaka International Airports were the big winners at the recent Skytrax World Airport Awards. Image: Adobe Stock

Updated regulations for international flights and South African airports

Travel regulations have been revised to make flying less cumbersome over the December holidays.

Cape Town International Airport

Cape Town and Durban’s King Shaka International Airports were the big winners at the recent Skytrax World Airport Awards. Image: Adobe Stock

Earlier in 2020, the government placed restrictions on travel and the movement of people in a bid to minimise the spread of the coronavirus. In November, South Africa scrapped the red list it had been using to stop certain nationalities from entering the country.

The regulations governing international travel were amended on Thursday last week after the scrapping of the red-list strategy.

The revised regulations will be welcomed by most travellers since they make travel a little less challenging and restrictive during the festive season, a time when many people make use of South Africa’s airports.

REGULATIONS FOR CHILDREN UNDER FIVE

Under previous regulations, children under the age of two were exempt from wearing masks on flights and did not have to produce negative PCR COVID-19 test certificates on arrival at South African ports.

The revised regulations exempt children under the age of five from wearing masks on flights, and from the requirement of negative PCR test certificates to be granted entry.

REGULATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Passengers who are unable to wear face masks on flights due to underlying medical conditions will be exempted, provided they can submit a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner to the airline or carrier before the departure of the flight.

FLIGHTS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

A child or person with disabilities may be exempted from COVID-19 test requirements if testing will prove to be a challenge, provided that the airline or carrier has consulted with South African health authorities before departure of the flight.

GENERAL ADMISSION TO SOUTH AFRICAN AIRPORTS

Airport terminals were closed for general access in March. When domestic travel was allowed once more under lockdown level three, airports would only allow entry to passengers, crew and employees.

Pick-up and drop-off areas were also restricted.

The revised regulations allow general access to airports. Shops, restaurants and businesses operating inside airports may resume business activities.

Non-departing individuals are allowed to enter airport terminals once again. Pick-up and drop-off areas are now open.

CHARTER FLIGHTS MAY OPERATE TO MORE AIRPORTS

Scheduled domestic flights were able to resume in June and scheduled international flights in October. Scheduled international flights are allowed at OR Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport and Cape Town International Airport.   

International charter flights may now travel to and from South Africa, carrying passengers and/or cargo. Charter flights are permitted to operate to/from the following airports, where port health capacity is in place: Bram Fischer International, Cape Town International, King Shaka International, Kruger Mpumalanga International, Lanseria International, OR Tambo International, Polokwane Airport, Port Elizabeth International and Upington International.