Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) SOC Ltd is pleased to announce the successful replacement and restoration of the VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) at King Phalo Airport as part of the national CVOR/DME programme aimed at modernising South Africa’s navigation aid infrastructure.
The King Phalo (FAEL) ILS procedure had previously been suspended following the replacement of the VOR. The FAEL VOR was decommissioned in mid-April 2026, with an industry notification issued shortly thereafter. The appointed contractor successfully met the flight calibration deadline of 25 May 2026. In line with prescribed standards and procedures, the project included civil works, electrical reticulation, counterpoise installation, commissioning and calibration.
Although similar CVOR/DME replacement projects typically take approximately two months to complete, the FAEL VOR was restored to full operational status by 27 May 2026 – after only a few weeks. Following the successful commissioning and calibration of the VOR, the suspension of the ILS procedure has now been lifted, and the procedure is once again available for operational use.
ATNS recognises the operational impact on stakeholders, including the flying public and the aviation industry. It remains committed to enhancing efficiency and minimising disruptions in future projects to support safe and effective air traffic management.
