50 000 flights authorised during SWC

"To date 12 621 aircrew have been screened and 51 294 flight authorisations have been issued," said departmental spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini.

He said there had been few violations of flight regulations during this time, comprising "less than 0.1%" of flights authorised.

In the case of non-compliance, aircraft were sometimes prevented from taking off.

"In cases where aircraft were already airborne and a high state of security was required, violators were either requested to divert and land at airfields outside the secure area or were intercepted and then escorted where possible to a secure airport."

In periods where less security was required, planes were allowed to complete their flights.

On landing, action was taken such as refusing security screening codes to crew for future flights, court action or informing them on correct procedure to be followed in future.

"Aircraft were also intercepted as a precautionary measure in order to validate their aircraft registration and type when arriving from areas outside radar coverage."

More detailed statistics would be available after the World Cup.

Air space restrictions at the different venues were being removed once the last matches had been played there.

"The final restrictions will be lifted in the Gauteng area at the end of the tournament."

  - Sapa