BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
LOBAMBA– Concerns over the handling of international airspace continue to grow globally, Senator Isaac Magagula told the Senator that the Civil Aviation (Rules of the Air and Air Traffic Control) Regulations, 2022 are intended to ensure that airspace should not be politicised, as lawmakers adopted the regulations.
The Senate sitting, held on Monday, June 15, 2026, adopted the regulations in accordance with Section 253(3) of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini, 2005.
Moving the motion, Senator Magagula said the regulations are designed to govern the rules of conduct for aircraft operating within and across international airspace, particularly when aircraft move from one country’s airspace to another during flight.
He explained that such movements require clear international aviation rules to ensure safety, order and compliance with global aviation standards.
Magagula stressed that while countries have the right to restrict or control access to their airspace for legitimate safety and security reasons, such decisions must not be influenced by political considerations.
He reiterated that the Civil Aviation (Rules of the Air and Air Traffic Control) Regulations, 2022 are meant to ensure that airspace is not politicised, but managed strictly on the basis of safety and security requirements.
Senator Tony Sibandze supported the motion but raised concern over whether the regulations are strong enough to protect smaller states from possible airspace violations by more powerful nations.
He questioned whether the framework adequately safeguards national sovereignty and ensures the safety of Eswatini’s airspace.
Responding on behalf of the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini said the regulations focus on governing the behaviour of aircraft within airspace rather than the intentions behind their movement.
He explained that the rules are intended to ensure compliance with aviation standards and proper conduct in the airspace.
In his concluding remarks, Senator Magagula said he was satisfied with the clarification provided by the minister, noting that the concerns raised had been addressed.
Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini then put the motion before the House, and senators unanimously adopted the Civil Aviation (Rules of the Air and Air Traffic Control) Regulations, 2022.
In adopting the regulations, the Senate reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a stable, rules-based aviation environment that prioritises safety, security and international compliance. Lawmakers emphasised that clear airspace governance remains essential to protecting national sovereignty while ensuring the smooth movement of aircraft across borders without political interference.
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(Courtesy Pic)
