By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
As the festive travel season peaks, holidaymakers are advised to arrive three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic flights to navigate potential delays.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) held a joint briefing with the Border Management Authority (BMA) on Thursday, 19 December.
Acsa CEO Mpumi Mpofu stated that December 20, 2024, is anticipated to be the busiest travel day of the season.
“We are expecting that tomorrow – the 20th [of December 2024], to be the busiest in the whole peak and that would give us 20,886 international travellers, both departure and arrivals and 39,423 domestic travellers.”
Mpofu emphasized that while the recent disruptions were unforeseen, they underscore the need for robust systems and collaboration.
She assured stakeholders that upgrades to the jet fuel system are on track for completion by March 2025.
“We work within a complex ecosystem involving multiple stakeholders,” Mpofu explained, adding that cooperation is vital to ensure smooth operations.
The CEO also urged the public to familiarize themselves with parking arrangements, including long-term parking options serviced by shuttles, to reduce congestion.
She also promoted the Acsa app, which is designed to help travellers navigate the various airports, adding that airports have received added information kiosks.
On hand luggage, Mpofu said to avoid irritation and inconvenience, passengers must adhere to the rules on size and weight stipulated by their chosen airlines.
“Please work with us. Pay attention to those elements and plan your journey very carefully,” said the CEO.
BMA Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato announced the deployment of 14 new systems and additional personnel at OR Tambo to tackle the passport control delays. ICT experts have been mobilized to ensure swift resolution of technical issues.
“We responded with speed to enhance capacity and return operations to normal as quickly as possible,” Masiapato noted.