Sao Tome, Nov. 28, 2025 (Lusa) - The Sao Tome and Principe air traffic controllers' union, which has been on strike for a week, denounced in a document sent to Lusa "irregularities and potential illegalities", including the landing and take-off of aircraft on the island of Príncipe "without assistance" from controllers.
The complaint is contained in a letter from the São Tomé and Príncipe Air Traffic Controllers' Union (Sinctas), in which it urges the regulator, the National Civil Aviation Institute (INAC), to make a statement of urgency on alleged "irregularities and potential illegalities verified during the strike period".
"Aircraft landings and take-offs were recorded at Príncipe aerodrome without air traffic controller assistance, violating fundamental safety standards and endangering air operations in the region," reads the letter dated Wednesday.
According to the union, "since the beginning of the strike until now, only two senior controllers have been used to cover four daily shifts, both in the control tower and in the control centre," constituting "an irregular practice that is contrary to internationally standardised minimum operational requirements."
"It should be noted that one of the two controllers has an expired English qualification and has been granted a three-month extension, but with the express recommendation of the National Civil Aviation Institute to work accompanied by a certified colleague — a recommendation that is not being complied with, given the shortage of staff," the document reads.
Sinctas also notes that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) indicates that the minimum staffing level to ensure the operationality of the service in the two control bodies’ in São Tomé, "including prevention and breaks to ensure mental health (free from stress and fatigue)" is 16 air traffic controllers.
The union urged the civil aviation organisation to make an "official statement on the legality of these operations" and to report on "the inspection and supervision actions applied or planned," and also to "clarify how such situations were allowed during a legally declared and ongoing strike."
"The São Tomé and Príncipe Air Traffic Controllers' Union informs that the controllers' strike is continuing in a disciplined manner and that the profession remains united and firm in exercising its labour rights," the document reads.
Lusa contacted the management of the National Airports and Air Safety Company (Enasa) and INAC for clarification, but without success.
The Sinctas strike began on 21 November and was marked by the arrest of seven strikers, including the union leader, who were placed under identity and residence restrictions.
At the beginning of the strike, Enasa's director-general, António Trindade, accused the strikers of resisting the authorities and vandalism and admitted that he had called the Rapid Intervention Police to the scene.
The accusations were rejected by employee Cláudia Rocha, who assured that "no one did anything" and "no one sabotaged equipment."
On the other hand, ENASA management said that about 15% to 20% of employees did not join the strike and are ensuring the functioning of services, allowing flights to take place.
"The airport is not at a standstill and has not stopped at any time. The airport is continuing its activities as normal," assured António Trindade.
However, employees say that, out of a total of around 21 controllers, only three did not join the strike and therefore this number "is not enough" to guarantee services."
"How long will they have to work? [...]. We have four shifts a day. It would be inconsistent and totally dangerous" because "an air traffic controller must work eight hours maximum," warned employee Cláudia Rocha.
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