Question NW743 to the Minister of Transport

Share this page:

04 April 2016 - NW743

Profile picture: Groenewald, Mr HB

Groenewald, Mr HB to ask the Minister of Transport

Whether the Airports Company of South Africa still allows passengers to hand in their firearms when they are flying and to claim them again at their destination; if not, (a) when was the practice discontinued and (b) what is the reason for this; (2) Whether she will make a statement about the matter;

Reply:

  1. (a) & (b) The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) still allows passengers to hand in their firearms when they are flying and to claim them again at their destinations. Within the precepts of the Airports Company Act (Act No. 44 of 1983) as amended, the National Key Point Act (Act No. 102 of 1980) and the Civil Aviation Act (Act No. 13 of 2009), ACSA as the responsible Airport Authority, shall authorise commercial licensed security companies and security companies contracted to the airline to handle, safe keep and transport the firearms onto ACSA’s premises in terms of the Firearms Control Act of 2000.

Passengers in possession of firearms are referred to the firearms desk controlled by commercial security company(s) contracted to the airlines at the respective destinations. Carrying of passengers firearms on board of an aircraft is the airline’s security responsibility, therefore it is legally required that airlines must have a Firearms Transportation License in terms of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

South African Airways (SAA) transports firearms to all destinations as per their flight schedule.

South African Express (SAX) and Airlink do not transport hand guns. This practice was stopped in March 2012. SAX and Airlink do transport hunting rifles for the purpose of tourism to East London, Port Elizabeth, George, Kimberley and Upington.

British Airways/Comair discontinued the service of handling of hand guns in August 2014. It was an airline decision to discontinue the services.

(2) No.

.

.

Source file