South African Airways (SAA) has debunked claims of a dangerous incursion incident at OR Tambo International Airport as baseless.
SAA condemns doctored footage of ‘incursion’ incident at OR Tambo Airport
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A video circulating on social media purported to show a close call between a Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 and an SAA Airbus A320 at OR Tambo International Airport on the evening of Friday, 23 February 2024.
The footage suggested a runway incursion—a situation where an unauthorised aircraft is on a runway—sparking widespread concern over air safety.
However, SAA, in a joint statement with the Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), categorically dismissed these allegations.
Following a thorough examination, SAA clarified the events of that evening. The Lufthansa flight, scheduled to depart for Frankfurt, was delayed due to an approaching storm, allowing the aircraft to vacate the runway.
Subsequently, the SAA Airbus, arriving from Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), crossed the designated runway to taxi towards its terminal, all under the strict supervision of air traffic control.
SAA’s internal assessment, supported by ATNS findings, revealed the video to be fake news, with a significant time lapse compressed into a short span, falsely depicting simultaneous runway occupancy.
“A preliminary assessment by SAA had established that NO Runway Incursion occurred, as alluded to, by some media reports,” the airline stated.
What is an incursion incident?
An incursion incident refers to an event where an unauthorised aircraft, vehicle, or person is on a runway, posing a safety risk to landing or departing aircraft.
These incidents are categorised based on severity, from operational errors or deviations to situations with potential for collision.
Air traffic control and airport authorities work closely to prevent such incidents, employing various safety measures, protocols, and rigorous training for flight crews to manage and mitigate risks effectively.
Interim CEO, Professor John Lamola emphasised the rigorous training SAA flight crews undergo to handle potential incursions and other emergencies.
“SAA’s flight deck crew are trained routinely to handle all situations that may occur in the air or on the ground, which include runway incursions. SAA confirms that there was no runway incursion or risk of any occurring as shown by the video on social media,” Prof. Lamola affirmed.
