The Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (Barsa) is to meet with the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber , this week to discuss the challenges airlines are facing with the disruption being caused by the newly installed biometric system at border control points across South African airports. The Board has already met with the border management authority.
CEO of Barsa, George Mothema , told Tourism Update that Barsa was aware of the concerns and issues arising from the implementation of the new biometric system, leading to significant delays and disruptions at the countrys largest airports.
We are optimistic that it will pave the way for a collaborative solution to the current challenges. Barsa remains committed to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the biometric system operates smoothly, minimising delays and ensuring a positive experience for all passengers and airlines, he said.
While the installation of the biometric system has been phased, problems with the new technology have persisted since the project began in 2022, according to Airlines Association of South Africa CEO, Aaron Munetsi .
The breakdowns, bottlenecks and withdrawal of critical air transport infrastructure and services, which airlines and passengers pay for in the form of user charges, levies and taxes on air travel, signals an indifference to the aviation industry and a failure to grasp its significant contribution to the countrys economy, Munetsi lamented in a statement on July 31.
