Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has outlined its plans for managing record passenger volumes during the festive season, promising smooth operations across its airports despite lingering concerns from last week’s fuel supply crisis at O.R. Tambo International Airport.
ACSA reveals peak travel periods for SA’s airports this festive season
The peak travel period, which began in October, is expected to reach its busiest days between mid-December and early January, with O.R. Tambo, Cape Town International, and King Shaka International airports gearing up for significant passenger movement.
Friday, 13 December 2024, is forecast to be O.R. Tambo’s busiest day, with 67,179 passengers expected to pass through its terminals.
Cape Town International and King Shaka International will see their peak activity between Monday, 16 and Sunday, 22 December, casting a spotlight on the logistical pressures South Africa’s aviation sector faces during the holiday season.
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ACSA’s festive season planning comes on the heels of a public dispute with FlySafair, which lambasted the state-owned company for what it termed a “catastrophic system failure” that disrupted refuelling operations at O.R. Tambo International Airport.
The disruption delayed flights and inconvenienced passengers, sparking widespread criticism of ACSA’s infrastructure maintenance.
FlySafair refunded airport taxes to affected passengers, a move it described as a gesture of goodwill. However, the airline placed the blame squarely on ACSA, accusing it of neglecting its duty to maintain essential infrastructure.
“This is not a cost we have any obligation to carry but rather one we’ve chosen to absorb in good faith, unlike the neglect that caused the disruption,” the airline stated.
ACSA has emphasised its commitment to operational excellence as it prepares for the busiest travel season of the year.
The refuelling controversy is not the only issue ACSA faces. The company is battling allegations of being on the brink of liquidation, a claim it vehemently denies.
In a statement, ACSA labelled the liquidation filing by certain service providers as “vexatious and malicious,” asserting that it remains financially stable based on its audited financials.
The company is also embroiled in litigation over expired security contracts, tied to unverified claims totalling R126 million.
Arbitration hearings are scheduled for 2025, but tensions remain high as service providers press for immediate payments outside the agreed process.
“We will not be coerced into making irregular payments under undue pressure or threatened legal action,” ACSA stated, pledging to oppose the liquidation filing in court.
Despite these challenges, ACSA is focusing on delivering a seamless travel experience during the festive season.
Preparations include the implementation of e-gates, streamlined queuing systems, enhanced staffing, and improvements in baggage handling.
ACSA has also emphasised better fuel throughput management to prevent future disruptions.
CEO Mpumi Mpofu reaffirmed the company’s readiness, stating:
“We’re not just preparing for this peak season; we’re preparing for the future. Our investments in infrastructure and technology will ensure that ACSA’s airports remain ready for the growing demand for air travel in the coming years.”
