Acsa Warns of Long Queues at OR Tambo Airport
By Mpho Moloi
The Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has warned travellers to expect long queues at OR Tambo International Airport on Monday as delays at Border Management Authority’s passport control processing points are causing significant passenger backlogs.
Acsa issued a statement advising all passengers departing or arriving at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) to prepare for extended waiting times. The authority cited long queues at passport control checkpoints as the primary cause of the delays.
“Passengers departing from or arriving at OR Tambo International Airport are advised that the airport is experiencing long queues at the Border Management Authority’s passport control processing points, which are contributing to delays,” Acsa said in the statement.
The authority added that additional personnel have been deployed to assist with managing passenger movement and to expedite processing at checkpoints. Travellers have been urged to allow extra travel time when heading to the airport to mitigate potential disruptions.
Ongoing Challenges and Recent Disruptions
This latest advisory comes on the back of multiple operational challenges that have plagued South Africa’s busiest airport in recent weeks. Inclement weather conditions and mechanical issues have impacted flight operations, leaving thousands of passengers frustrated.
Just last week, 177 flights were disrupted at OR Tambo, affecting over 22,073 passengers due to a significant fueling issue. The disruption was attributed to a drive shaft failure, which prevented the pumping of jet fuel from storage tanks to aircraft aprons.
In its earlier communication, Acsa explained:
“This prevented the pumping of jet fuel from storage tanks to the aprons, which enables the re-fuelling of aircraft. As a result, operations were temporarily delayed.”
Although the situation caused significant inconvenience, Acsa maintained that the issue was resolved swiftly, and normal operations resumed by 1pm on the same day.
Acsa Responds to Maintenance Allegations
In the wake of last week’s disruption, media reports suggested that the fueling issue was a result of poor maintenance practices. However, Acsa has strongly denied these claims, asserting that the mechanical failure was promptly identified and addressed.
“While the disruption did affect 483 flights and resulted in 31 cancellations, it is important to emphasise the scale of ORTIA’s operations. Acsa typically manages approximately 1,500 flights and 110,000 passengers daily. Thus, while this disruption was unfortunate and caused significant inconvenience, it did not bring airport operations to a halt,” the statement read.
Acsa further clarified that media reports regarding alleged issues with gaskets blowing during valve replacement were unfounded. The authority reiterated that the repairs were completed in strict adherence to safety protocols and operational standards.
“The valve replacement was completed successfully and without incident, and the new valve is performing well under normal operating conditions. Contrary to claims in the article, this event does not reflect a lack of contingency planning or systemic failure on Acsa’s part,” the company added.
Efforts to Mitigate Future Delays
As OR Tambo International Airport continues to recover from recent challenges, Acsa has reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining high operational standards. Additional resources have been allocated to enhance passenger processing efficiency, particularly at key areas like passport control and security checkpoints.
Acsa spokesperson Refilwe Moloto highlighted the importance of these measures to ensure smoother operations, especially during the busy holiday season:
“We understand that these disruptions have been frustrating for travellers, and we are working diligently to address both short-term challenges and long-term improvements. Additional staff have been deployed at key processing points, and contingency plans are in place to mitigate delays.”
Advice for Travellers
Travellers using OR Tambo International Airport are encouraged to take proactive measures to avoid unnecessary delays:
1. Arrive Early: Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights.
2. Check for Updates: Travellers should stay updated on flight schedules through their airlines and Acsa’s official communication channels.
3. Be Prepared: Ensure all travel documents, including passports and boarding passes, are readily accessible to expedite processing at passport control.
Moloto reiterated:
“Travellers should allow extra time for airport procedures and check the latest updates to plan their journeys effectively. We are doing everything possible to ensure a smooth experience despite these challenges.”
Passenger Reactions and Industry Response
The delays and disruptions at OR Tambo have sparked frustration among passengers, particularly during the busy festive season. Social media platforms have been flooded with complaints, with travellers expressing dissatisfaction over long queues and communication gaps.
Frequent traveller Sipho Ndlovu, who was affected by last week’s fueling issue, described the experience as “chaotic.”
“I spent over 6 hours waiting for updates on my flight. It was incredibly frustrating, especially with little information provided at the time. I hope Acsa improves its communication with passengers moving forward,” said Ndlovu.
Industry experts have acknowledged the challenges facing airports worldwide, particularly during peak travel seasons, but have urged Acsa to strengthen contingency planning to prevent future disruptions.
Aviation analyst Dr. Peter Mathebula noted:
“Operational disruptions are sometimes unavoidable, but it is essential for airport authorities to have robust contingency measures in place. Communication with passengers is equally critical to manage expectations and reduce frustration.”
Impact of OR Tambo Disruptions on South African Aviation
As the largest and busiest airport in Africa, OR Tambo plays a vital role in South Africa’s economy and tourism sector. The airport serves as a key gateway for international visitors and a hub for domestic travel. Any disruptions at OR Tambo can have a cascading effect on the country’s aviation network and broader economic activities.
Acsa’s swift response to operational challenges, such as the recent fueling issue, demonstrates its capacity to manage crises effectively. However, the incidents also underscore the need for continuous infrastructure maintenance and investment to prevent future disruptions.
Looking Ahead: Acsa’s Commitment to Improvement
Acsa has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring reliable and efficient operations at OR Tambo International Airport. The authority is actively working on long-term solutions to enhance infrastructure, streamline passenger processing, and improve overall service delivery.
In a statement, Acsa outlined several key initiatives:
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Investments in critical systems, including fueling infrastructure and security checkpoints, to prevent mechanical failures.
• Staff Training: Enhanced training for personnel to improve response times and customer service during peak periods.
• Technology Integration: Implementation of advanced technologies to expedite passport control, security screening, and baggage handling processes.
Acsa concluded:
“We remain fully committed to providing a safe, efficient, and pleasant experience for all passengers. While recent events have posed challenges, we are working tirelessly to ensure that OR Tambo International Airport continues to operate at the highest standards.”
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