In a move that disrupted thousands of travel plans, significant security changes at OR Tambo International Airport left passengers in long queues and raised concerns over operational efficiency. The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has acknowledged the delays and urged passengers to adjust their travel routines accordingly.
According to ACSA, the changes were implemented at various security checkpoints throughout Johannesburg’s busiest airport. While exact details remain undisclosed, the changes have reportedly led to extended processing times, particularly during peak travel hours.
On Tuesday, numerous travellers experienced extended wait times, causing frustration and missed boarding calls. ACSA addressed the situation by confirming that the airport had suffered “operational disruptions” but emphasized that efforts were underway to return to normalcy.
Travelers Advised to Arrive Earlier Than Usual
ACSA has recommended that passengers arrive at least two hours prior to departure for domestic flights and three hours ahead for international departures. The agency stressed the importance of allowing enough time for new screening protocols, especially amid the temporary slowdown.
“Domestic operations have largely stabilised,” ACSA stated in an update issued late Tuesday afternoon. “An incoming shift has been deployed to assist with international operations, and we anticipate full capacity will return by Wednesday morning.”
To help mitigate congestion, Acsa is encouraging all passengers to head directly to security screening areas immediately after check-in. This will help avoid unnecessary bottlenecks and keep queues moving efficiently.
The lack of transparency about the nature of the changes has sparked questions, with travellers seeking clarity on what exactly has shifted in the airport’s security setup. Despite this, Acsa has assured that the changes are localized and do not impact operations at other South African airports.
No Impact on Other Airports, But Uncertainty Remains
While ACSA works to stabilise operations at OR Tambo, no similar issues have been reported at other South African airports. Still, the unexpected nature of the disruption has prompted some travellers to question the readiness of airport systems when major procedural changes are introduced without prior notice.
As the country’s busiest international gateway, OR Tambo serves as a crucial hub for both domestic and global travel. Ensuring its operational efficiency is vital not just for travellers, but also for airlines, airport staff, and ground services.
In the meantime, travellers are being reminded to stay informed through official airport channels and to factor in additional buffer time when planning trips from OR Tambo in the coming days. Patience and preparation remain key as the airport works to regain its full operational rhythm.
