Transport Dept: Emirates Airlines won’t be stopped from flying into SA

It's a reflection of the low levels of trust that currently exist when a leading newspaper happily publishing a report that, if true, would be seriously damaging to the SA economy. But publish it did – presumably because of "reliable sources" – forcing SA's Department of Transport to issue a hasty rebuttal. At risk, apparently, are the six daily flights by Dubai's Emirates Airlines to South Africa's three major airports, OR Tambo (3), Cape Town (2) and King Shaka (1). It would make little sense for the Government to block them. Especially as taxpayers provide significant subsidies to national airline SAA, justified on the basis that flights into the country stimulating tourism and business. – AH

From the SA Press Association:

The department of transport on Sunday refuted a report that Emirates Airlines flights would be grounded in South Africa, pending a meeting with a UAE minister.

"These rumours are quite unfortunate and regrettable," said transport department spokesman Tiyani Rikhotso.

"That's not the spirit in which we are having the conversations with the UAE…

"Whoever is spreading those rumours has the responsibility of proving them".

The Sunday Times reported that on Friday an "instruction" was issued that United Arab Emirates Economy Minister Bin Al Saeed Mansoori was to attend a meeting with Transport Minister Dipuo Peters on Monday, failing which, Emirates flights would be grounded.

According to the newspaper, three weeks ago, Emirates obtained a court order compelling the transport department to honour a written authorisation for the addition of a fourth daily flight in South Africa.

The department apparently agreed to this in writing but later retracted, saying due process had not been followed, the Sunday Times article detailed.

On Sunday, Rikhotso told Sapa that "confidential" bilateral talks between the two countries were under way.

He said the possibility of holding a meeting had been discussed, "but I cannot confirm when [this would be for]".

He said talks between the countries were taking place "in a spirit of co-operation" and to "ensure that there are no disruptions to the service being provided by Emirates".

The outcome of the meetings would be shared "at an appropriate time".

Rikhotso said he did not know about a claim in the Sunday Times article that the department was keen to partner with Etihad airlines, which is also based in the UAE.