ACSA Warns of Flight Delays at OR Tambo International Airport
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has sounded the alarm over significant flight delays affecting operations at OR Tambo International Airport. The delays are due to ongoing “operational issues” that have disrupted passenger flow and frustrated travellers. The disruption began early on Tuesday, leading to bottlenecks at security checkpoints. This prompted urgent responses from airport officials and airline operators.
Passengers Urged to Plan Ahead
Although ACSA refrained from giving specific details regarding the root cause of the flight delays, the company confirmed that both technical and airport management teams were working tirelessly. They aimed to restore normal service levels. By late Tuesday, ACSA said progress was being made. It expected full operational capacity to resume by Wednesday morning.
In an alert posted on social media, OR Tambo International Airport advised passengers of extended queues at security screening points. It urged them to head to security immediately after check-in to minimize flight delays. “We are currently experiencing longer-than-usual queues at security checkpoints,” the statement read. “Our teams are working diligently to ensure a smooth and safe experience for everyone.”
FlySafair Issues Its Own Advisory
Low-cost carrier FlySafair also weighed in, warning passengers about the added congestion. This was caused by the recent operational changes at OR Tambo, leading to flight delays. The airline advised travellers flying with only hand luggage to use online check-in services. They should proceed straight to security. For those with checked baggage, additional time should be factored in post check-in to comfortably reach departure gates.
“Arrive earlier than usual to ensure a smooth journey,” the airline posted on X (formerly Twitter). This reinforced the need for early arrival to mitigate potential flight delays.
Improvements Begin to Show
Despite the day’s disruptions, ACSA later provided a more reassuring update. It reported noticeable progress in stabilising passenger traffic, particularly on domestic routes. ACSA also confirmed the deployment of additional personnel to assist with international operations.
“Domestic operations have largely stabilised, and an incoming shift has been deployed. They aim to bolster capacity and assist international travellers,” said ACSA in a late-evening statement.
Advisory for Travellers
To avoid any last-minute complications leading to flight delays, ACSA is urging all passengers to arrive well in advance of their flights. Passengers should arrive at least two hours ahead for domestic departures and three hours for international trips. The authority stressed that this disruption is confined to OR Tambo International Airport. It added that other airports within its network continue to operate without interruption.
“We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work to fully restore operations,” ACSA said.
Legal Setback Complicates Baggage Operations
The recent disruption comes in the wake of a legal setback for ACSA and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) over baggage screening responsibilities. Last month, the Gauteng High Court dismissed an urgent appeal filed by ACSA and SACAA. This effectively allowed Aviation Co-ordination Services (ACS) to proceed with the replacement of outdated hold baggage screening (HBS) equipment at OR Tambo and King Shaka International Airports.
The ruling, which upheld a previous order from November 2024, mandates that ACS continue its upgrade of vital screening systems. This is to maintain safety and improve efficiency. While the main court case remains unresolved, the court’s decision paves the way for critical infrastructure improvements to move ahead.
A Day of Turbulence—but Recovery in Sight
Tuesday’s flight delays caused frustration for many passengers, particularly those on tight travel schedules. However, with operations steadily improving and reinforcements deployed, ACSA is optimistic that normal services will resume imminently. In the meantime, travellers are encouraged to stay informed, arrive early, and exercise patience as South Africa’s busiest airport navigates a temporary bout of turbulence.
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