FlySafair Warns of Longer Queues at OR Tambo: Here’s What Travellers Need to Know

If you’re flying out of Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport anytime soon, you might want to pack a little extra patience along with your travel essentials.

FlySafair has issued a travel advisory to its passengers, flagging potential delays at security checkpoints due to recent changes in airport operations. While the airline didn’t specify the exact nature of these changes, it urged travellers to arrive earlier than usual, especially during busy periods.

A Heads Up Before You Head Out

In a public statement released on Tuesday afternoon, FlySafair advised passengers to factor in more time for security screening. The recommendation is especially important for those catching early-morning or evening flights, when queues tend to snake through the terminal.

“If you are travelling with hand luggage only, we recommend checking in online and proceeding directly to security,” said the airline. Those checking in luggage should allow even more time after check-in to comfortably make it to their boarding gates.

For frequent flyers, this might be nothing new — but for holidaymakers or first-time fliers, it’s a reminder that OR Tambo can get chaotic, and that airport routines are anything but static.

Local Context: Why the Timing Matters

This alert couldn’t come at a busier time. With school holidays in full swing and winter travel heating up, domestic terminals are seeing a notable uptick in traffic. Add to that the unpredictability of load shedding, Gauteng traffic jams, and last-minute dashers, and it’s a recipe for airport stress.

While the advisory doesn’t confirm how long these delays will continue, it’s a fair bet that this could last through the peak July travel period. FlySafair’s advice seems to echo what many seasoned Joburg travellers already know — leave home early, and don’t trust the “15-minute check-in” rule to get you out of a jam.

Social Media Reaction: Mzansi Weighs In

Travel-weary South Africans took to social media to voice their frustrations — and tips.

“OR Tambo queues are no joke lately. Took me 45 mins just to get through security on Monday,” one X user posted.

Others responded with their own coping strategies: “I always arrive 2 hours early, even for domestic flights. It’s not worth the panic,” wrote another.

Several users praised FlySafair’s transparency, noting that timely alerts help reduce the stress of unexpected delays.

Final Boarding Call: What Travellers Should Do Now

Whether you’re jetting off for a business trip or heading to the coast for some downtime, the key takeaway is clear: arrive early, check in online where possible, and brace for longer queues at security.

FlySafair hasn’t provided a timeline for when normal operations might resume, but in the meantime, travellers are encouraged to stay informed via the airline’s website and social channels.

In the ever-changing world of travel, a little planning goes a long way — and in this case, might just save your seat on the plane.

Source:IOL

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