Security Snags at OR Tambo Cause Major Delays: Here’s What You Need to Know

Travellers face frustrating queues as Africa’s busiest airport works to restore order

If you were flying out of Johannesburg on Tuesday, chances are you found yourself stuck in an unusually long line at OR Tambo International Airport. From early morning, social media lit up with photos and posts from frustrated passengers reporting heavy delays at security checkpoints.

What caused the chaos? Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) cited “operational issues” as the culprit, though they’ve been tight-lipped on the exact details. What’s clear is that thousands of passengers, both domestic and international, were affected, and the ripple effect was felt throughout the day.

Flyers Caught Off Guard

FlySafair, one of the busiest domestic carriers in the country, quickly issued a travel advisory urging passengers to arrive much earlier than usual.

“If you’re only travelling with hand luggage, check in online and go straight to security,” the airline posted on X. “Those checking bags should build in extra time to ensure you don’t miss your flight.”

The airline wasn’t the only one sounding the alarm. OR Tambo’s own X account (formerly Twitter) posted multiple updates throughout the day warning about “longer-than-usual queues” and encouraging travellers to proceed to security as soon as they’d checked in.

ORTIA Travel Advisory | Security Checkpoint Notice
Please be advised that O.R. Tambo International Airport is currently experiencing longer-than-usual queues at security checkpoints. We encourage all passengers to proceed to the security screening areas immediately after… pic.twitter.com/dF3fT7d23L

— ORTambo (@ortambo_int) July 1, 2025

Acsa Responds, But Frustration Builds

By the afternoon, Acsa said they were deploying more staff and that domestic operations had begun to stabilise. International travellers, however, were still being advised to arrive a full three hours before departure.

In a formal statement, Acsa acknowledged the impact:
“We are pleased to report a steady improvement in passenger flow and queue management. Domestic operations have largely stabilised, while an incoming shift has been deployed to bolster capacity and assist international travellers.”

Still, by Tuesday evening, social media users continued posting about missed flights, chaotic boarding areas, and overwhelmed security lanes.

A City Under Pressure

OR Tambo isn’t just any airport, it’s Africa’s busiest air hub and a major entry point into the continent. With Johannesburg set to host the G20 summit in November, pressure is mounting on officials to ensure the city’s infrastructure holds up under global scrutiny.

Tuesday’s delays, while ultimately resolved , served as a reminder of just how vulnerable the airport is to operational hiccups.

Some locals couldn’t help but draw a connection to recent critiques from President Cyril Ramaphosa, who earlier this year called on Johannesburg authorities to clean up and “wow the world” ahead of G20.

“OR Tambo is our front door to the world,” one user posted. “This can’t be happening four months before the G20.”

Media Statement
01 July 2025

ACSA update on operational disruptions at @ortambo_int

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) notes that some passengers at O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) experienced travel delays earlier today due to operational disruptions. Our airport…

— Airports Company SA (@Airports_ZA) July 1, 2025

Here’s What You Should Do if You’re Flying Soon

For now, Acsa says the problem was isolated to OR Tambo and operations at other airports are running smoothly. Still, if you’re flying from Jozi anytime soon, here’s how to stay ahead of the stress:

• Arrive early: At least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours for international.

• Check in online: Especially if you’re carrying only hand luggage.

• Head to security immediately: Don’t linger after check-in. The sooner you’re through security, the better.

• Stay updated: Follow @ortambo_int and your airline’s official channels on social media for real-time updates.

Is OR Tambo ready for the world stage?

While Tuesday’s disruption is fading, it raises bigger questions about airport readiness, especially with a high-stakes G20 event around the corner. For now, Jozi’s flagship airport seems to be back on track, but many travellers will be watching closely to see if these fixes last.

In the meantime, pack your patience and your boarding pass and leave a little earlier than you usually would.

{Source: African Insider}

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