SOUTH AFRICA will allow domestic air travel for business purposes only from June 1 as the country further eases coronavirus lockdown regulations, the transport minister said on Saturday.
The country has been largely shut since a nationwide lockdown began in late March. South Africa has reported 29,240 cases of the new coronavirus, with 611 deaths.
From next month, Africa’s most industrialised economy will allow most economic sectors including mining and manufacturing to fully resume operations and has also allowed the sale of alcohol but for home consumption.
“As the country moves to level 3, with more industries resuming operations, learners returning to school, the transport sector must be responsive to enable mobility of both workers and learners,” Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula said in a televised briefing.
“In doing so, we must maintain a delicate balance between enabling mobility and arresting the spread of the virus.”
The resumption of domestic flights will be rolled out in three phases, with only four airports allowed to be opened under phase one, he added.
These include the OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, and the Lanseria International Airport
He said only passengers will be allowed inside the terminal buildings and that no passengers will be allowed inside the terminal buildings without masks.
“ACSA will ensure effectiveness of the sanitization process before entering the terminal buildings, which may result in the number of entrances being reduced,” said Mbalula.
“All the airports will have markings on the floor for social distancing of 1.5 metres. This will be applicable at check-in counters, security checkpoints and airport lounges. All airline check-in agents will wear face shields and the counters will be installed with protective screens. Check-in counters will also be frequently sanitized. All airport personnel will wear masks.”
(Compiled by Inside Politics & News Agencies)
