As detailed in General Notice 2720 of 2024, published on 10 September 2024, the responsibility for processing applications will revert to the Department of Transport, effective from 1 October 2024. This change means the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) will no longer be involved in the processing of these applications.

Key changes effective from 1 October 2024:

Foreign Operator Permit applications: All applications and supporting documents must be submitted via email to fop@dot.gov.za 

Domestic Air Service Licence applications: Applications and amendments should be submitted via email to domesticcouncil@dot.gov.za 

International Air Service Licence applications: Applications and amendments should be submitted via email to internationalcouncil@dot.gov.za 

This shift marks the repeal of the Ministerial Order issued on 9 October 2023, which had previously mandated the SACAA to oversee administrative support for the Air Service Licensing Council (ASLC) and the International Air Service Licensing Council (ISLC) (see our article on this here). The new directive returns these responsibilities to the Department of Transport, which will handle all related administrative work, including the payment and receipt of funds and secretarial duties.

The 2023 mandate shift to the SACAA was seen as a progressive step toward streamlining the processing of air service licence and foreign operator permit applications. The SACAA’s role was intended to enhance efficiency by consolidating administrative support under a dedicated aviation authority. However, with the Department of Transport now reclaiming this responsibility, no official reasons have been provided for this change in mandate.

Industry participants should be aware of the potential implications of this shift, particularly for applications that are currently under review, as there may be delays in processing during the transition. As these adjustments take effect, transitional challenges are likely to arise. Operators are encouraged to maintain proactive communication with the Department of Transport to ensure minimal disruption to operations.