What is a Foreign Operator Permit?
Foreign Operator Permits (FOPs) are required for all foreign civil air carriers intending to operate scheduled or non-scheduled international commercial flights to, from, or within South Africa. These permits are issued by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and must be obtained before any such flight takes place.
While the South African Air Force approves military flights and the use of military airfields, FOPs are still required for civilian commercial flights landing at military airfields.
All non-South African air carriers wishing to undertake scheduled or non-scheduled commercial international air services to South Africa are required to hold a Foreign Operators Permit before that flight is undertaken.
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