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Airports Company of South Africa update for State Funeral of President Nelson Mandela

Airspace restrictions around Mthatha

Restrictions for flight operations started on the 7th of December 2013. From this date all flights scheduled into the airport must have Military Authorisation.

From Friday, 13 December, no commercial traffic will be allowed into the airport apart from the existing Airlink schedules and chartered flights under the control of the South African Airforce.

On Sunday, 15 December, no commercial flight will be allowed into the airport. No fuel uplifts are allowed at Mthatha Airport and all flights must carry enough fuel for the return legs.

Arrangements made at all airports to accommodate an influx of international visitors

Airports Company South Africa can confirm that it has put measures in place to handle any possible influx of visitors, such as heads of states, who come into the country during this time.

Normal major-event processes will be activated at O.R. Tambo International and East London Airports during this period. The company’s operations team has already activated a number of controls to ensure smooth facilitation of passengers during this time.

Airport capacity

Capacity at the two airports is as follows:

  • O.R. Tambo International Airport
    Hourly runway capacity (air traffic movements) 53
    Annual passenger handling capacity 28 million
    Public parking bays 16 300
  • East London Airport
    Hourly runway capacity (air traffic movements) 24
    Annual passenger handling capacity 1,2 million
    Public parking bays 550             

Temporary infrastructure has been created at East London Airport to handle more than the 2 000 passengers per day that the airports currently facilitates.

Extra staff have also been allocated for the airport to assist in dealing with additional services. Engagements between airports, airlines, ground-handling companies, government and law enforcement agencies are currently underway to ensure smooth processing.

Due to the expected increase in traffic and passenger volumes, flow restrictions as it applies to air traffic movements have been imposed, which includes parking restrictions for arriving aircraft.

Both scheduled and non-scheduled airlines will need to park in either a pre-arranged hanger or divert to another facility.

Given Airports Company South Africa’s expertise at managing significant increases in local and international passenger numbers, the company is confident that it can handle any operational challenges that it may be faced with during this period.

Appeal to the public help the smooth running of our airports

ACSA appeals to the public for understanding and support as the airports endeavour to continue delivering world-class services throughout this difficult time. Airports Company South Africa will communicate any relevant impact on its services via its website www.airports.co.za customer care line and the media.

Due to the expected increase in passengers arriving and departing from Airports Company South Africa airports over the coming days, travellers are encouraged to arrive at least two hours before their departure time to ensure smooth facilitation for check-in, security and boarding procedures.

Passengers are also reminded to be in constant communication with their respective airlines to validate traveling times.

General enquiries

Frequently asked questions

Tel: 012 473 0114 or 012 473 0389
E-mail: information@gcis.gov.za

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