Passengers flying through OR Tambo International Airport this week were met with frustrating delays as operational issues disrupted the usual flow of travel. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed the disruption on Tuesday, sparking concern among both domestic and international travellers.

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Technical Issues Trigger Travel Disruption

According to ACSA, the problems began on Tuesday morning, though details around the specific cause were not disclosed. The airport operator did, however, assure the public that management and technical teams had been working throughout the day to address the matter. Their primary focus was on stabilising operations and improving passenger flow, especially through security checkpoints where queues had significantly lengthened.

While the delays were unexpected, ACSA said it anticipated a full return to normal operations by Wednesday morning.

Airport and Airlines Urge Passengers to Arrive Early

OR Tambo International Airport issued a travel advisory on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), warning passengers of unusually long queues at the security screening points. Travellers were advised to proceed to the screening area immediately after checking in to avoid further delays.

“Our teams are working diligently to ensure a smooth and safe experience for everyone,” the post read, adding reassurance that efforts were ongoing to manage the situation efficiently.

Low-cost airline FlySafair also echoed the call for early arrival. The airline urged passengers—especially those carrying only hand luggage—to check in online and make their way directly to security screening points. For those with checked baggage, FlySafair recommended allocating additional time post-check-in to reach their boarding gates without pressure.

“Arrive earlier than usual to ensure a smooth journey. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” the airline posted in their advisory.

Situation Shows Signs of Improvement

By late Tuesday, ACSA issued an encouraging update. Queue times had shortened, and domestic operations had largely stabilised. A new team had been deployed to further support international processing, signalling a steady recovery of the airport’s service capacity.

“We are pleased to report a steady improvement in passenger flow and queue management,” ACSA stated, assuring passengers that the airport would be fully operational by the following morning.

Important Travel Tips for Passengers

ACSA has strongly advised all passengers departing from OR Tambo to arrive well in advance: at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international departures. This extra time will help accommodate potential hold-ups as the airport continues to return to full efficiency.

Importantly, ACSA clarified that these disruptions are currently limited to OR Tambo and do not affect any of the other airports within its national network.

“We would like to reassure the public that this disruption is isolated to OR Tambo International Airport. All other airports in the Acsa network are operating as normal,” it noted.

Legal Wrangle Over Baggage Screening Continues

The disruption also follows a recent legal setback for ACSA and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) in a case involving control over baggage screening operations. Last month, the Gauteng High Court dismissed an appeal lodged by both ACSA and SACAA, affirming that Aviation Co-ordination Services (ACS) would continue managing baggage screening equipment at OR Tambo and King Shaka International Airports.

The judgment allows ACS to proceed with the critical replacement of outdated hold baggage screening systems—equipment vital for maintaining security standards and improving operational efficiency at these key international hubs.

A Test of Patience for Passengers

As services continue to normalise, both ACSA and airlines have expressed gratitude to passengers for their understanding during this disruption. While unexpected delays are never ideal, the swift response and improving conditions suggest that OR Tambo is on track to resume smooth operations soon.

Travellers are urged to monitor updates from both the airport and their respective airlines, and to allow extra time when navigating through the country’s busiest air travel hub.