Travel Update: Refueling challenges at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg! [update #2]

update (11 December 2024): ACSA has released some more information about the refueling challenges OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg experienced on 09 December 2024 between 09:05 and 13:01. According to ACSA, the technical problem was due to a drive shaft that sheared (or shattered). This prevented the pumping of jet fuel from storage tanks to the aprons, which enables the re-fuelling of aircraft. The repair work was conducted in compliance with rigorous safety procedures. This encompasses depressurisation, drainage of fuel, purging the system of hydrocarbons and associated gasses and the implementation of specialised rigging to ensure the safe completion of work.
This refuelling technical challenges directly impacted approximately 177 flights and 22 073 passengers between 09:05 and 13:01 when flights resumed. The knock-on effect of this four-hour delay impacted a further number of flights and passengers, over the 13:00 to 23:00pm period when the backlog was cleared.  The total impact on the ACSA network was 483 flights and 49 429 passengers as well as 31 flights cancelled for the day. This took place against an estimated total number of 1500 flights and 110 000 passengers which are normally processed through ACSA’s network daily. Therefore, about a third of the flights were impacted and about half the daily passengers were impacted.

update (09 December 2024): ACSA just announced that the fuel system at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg is now fully operational, and fuel trucks are on their way to the apron. Operations are currently back to normal. 

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has announced that OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg is currently facing refueling challenges, affecting the ability of airlines to refuel aircraft as usual. As a result, some flights may experience delays. ACSA has assured the public that technicians are working diligently to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Safe travels!

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

 

Airlink & Air France-KLM signed a new codeshare agreement!

French-Dutch multinational airline holding company Air France-KLM implemented a new codeshare agreement with South African regional airline Airlink, effective 03 December 2024.
This commercial partnership enhances connectivity for travellers, offering Air France and KLM customers access to an extensive range of destinations in Southern Africa via OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. At this stage, the codeshare agreement is active on 14 Airlink domestic destinations in South Africa.
Air France-KLM and Airlink plan to expand the partnership in the future, with additional destinations to come in Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, St Helena, Zambia and Zimbabwe (expansion subject to approval by the relevant authorities).
Air France and KLM currently operate up to 14 weekly flights to Johannesburg and 14 weekly flights to Cape Town on departure from their respective hubs at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) in Amsterdam.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

South Africa: South African Airways (SAA) facing possible strike by its pilots! [update #3]

update (07 December 2024): South African Airways (SAA) has announced that the pilots' strike, which began on 05 December 2024, has been suspended as of 02:00 this morning. This resolution follows successful negotiations between SAA Executive Management and the South African Airways Pilots Association (SAAPA). The airline is expected to return to a 100% flight schedule by 08 December 2024, with more than 100 pilots returning to their duties by 12:00 today (07 December 2024). We'll keep you posted!

update (05 December 2024): According to Khaya Buthelezi, SAA's senior manager of corporate relations, flights to Perth in Australia and Sao Paulo in Brazil have both been canceled as no partner airlines could be found to transfer passengers to.

update (05 December 2024): The pilots started striking this morning at 07:00. According to SAA, the strike's length is unclear. It will impact all SAA-operated flights on domestic and regional routes, including Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Windhoek, and Mauritius. However, flights by SAA’s codeshare and Star Alliance partners will operate as scheduled.

Did you have a delayed or canceled flight? Get up to £520 compensation per passenger, no matter the ticket price. No win, no fee! [ad]

South African Airways (SAA) is facing a strike by its pilots. The airline announced on 03 December 2024  that after protracted wage negotiations it has received a notification from the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) expressing their intent to embark on a strike action commencing 05 December 2024. According to SAA, the management of the airline is doing everything possible to avoid a strike by pilots, or any disruptions to its operations, especially during the December peak season.

“SAA has only recently regained its operational viability after emerging from business rescue in 2021. In order not to disrupt this momentum, we are committed to ongoing negotiations with SAAPA and to do everything possible to reach a fair settlement that is mutually beneficial to both the pilots and the company”, said SAA Interim Chief Executive Officer Professor John Lamola.

We'll keep you posted!

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

South Africa: Airlink expands Nairobi service with additional night flights!

South African regional airline Airlink is set to increase flights to Nairobi in Kenya. The airline will add three weekly night flights to its service between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi from 30 March 2025. The extra flights provide greater choices travellers flying between the two cities and bolster Airlink’s daily service which it launched last year, when it became the first private sector airline to compete on the route.

Airlink’s 98-seat Embraer E190 jetliners will operate the additional flights on these days and at these times:

• Johannesburg 20:30 > 01:30 Nairobi on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
• Nairobi 02:15 > 05:35 Johannesburg on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays

 online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

South Africa: South African Airways eyes international growth with new routes to Europe, US, and Asia!

South African Airways (SAA) is gearing up for significant growth in its international operations, according to interim CEO John Lamola. In an interview with Bloomberg, Lamola revealed plans to expand the airline's global network, including launching flights to London in the UK by December 2025. Additional destinations under consideration include the United States, Germany, and China.
Lamola also noted growing interest from banks eager to discuss potential lending arrangements with SAA. These funds would support the airline's ambitious route expansion plans.
Currently, SAA operates a fleet of 16 aircraft and serves 16 destinations. The airline is set to receive seven additional planes in 2025, enhancing its capacity to expand into key markets in Europe, North America, and Asia.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

East London: ATNS secures approval for Runway 11 instrument landing system at King Phalo Airport (ELS)!

Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), the company that provides air traffic, navigation, training and associated services within South Africa, has announced that the instrument landing system (ILS) flight procedure for Runway 11 at King Phalo Airport (ELS) in East London has been approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). According to ATNS, this ensures that both runways, 29 and 11, at the airport will have valid procedures in place. As a result of this development, flight operations at King Phalo Airport (ELS) are expected to improve, reducing the likelihood of flight disruptions as witnessed recently. We'll keep you posted!

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

Zambia: Proflight Zambia signed its first interline ticketing agreement with a European airline partner!

Zambian privately owned regional carrier Proflight Zambia has signed its first interline ticketing agreement with a European airline partner. The new partnership with Turkish Airlines becomes effective in November 2024 and allows the Turkish flag carrier airline to issue tickets connecting its passengers seamlessly to Proflight Zambia's domestic and regional routes, making travel easier and more convenient.
With the partnership, travellers can now access Zambia’s vibrant destinations such as South Luangwa National Park and Livingstone, plus major destinations across Southern Africa on a single ticket, enhancing their travel experience.
Turkish Airlines is currently serving 53 destinations in Türkiye and 296 internationally across 130 countries.

 online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

King Shaka International Airport: One lane of the M65 highway temporarily closed!

The Dube TradePort Corporation and Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) have announced that one lane of the M65 highway heading into King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban is temporarily closed between 08 November 2024 and 04 December 2024. This is due to maintenance work. Travellers using the N2 to access King Shaka International Airport (DUR) must allow for potential delays in your travel time. Alternative access to the airport is available via R102 and Watson Highway (Ushukela).

Durban Airport transfers >>

Qatar Airways operates up to 35 weekly flights to South Africa during the southern hemisphere summer season!

The flag carrier airline of Qatar, Qatar Airways, has increased the number of flights to South Africa for the southern hemisphere summer season. Since the end of October 2024, the airline is operating 11 weekly flights between Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. From 17 December 2024 to 13 January 2025 the airline will operate an additional flight between the two destinations. Return flights from Doha to OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg have been increased to 18 per week for the season, while Qatar Airways' service to King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban has been expanded to five weekly flights via Maputo in Mozambique.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

Namibia: Temporary traffic deviation on road between Windhoek <> Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH)!

The Namibian Road Authority (RA) has announced that a new temporary traffic deviation on the Windhoek <> Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) road upgrade project is in place since 17 October 2024. The affected area starts about 3 kilometres east of the current temporary airport turnoff and about 0.4 kilometres west of the M51 road turnoff. The deviation will channel traffic around the construction site and will be in effect until July 2025. According to the RA, road signs have been installed to guide motorists through the temporary routes. Travellers on their way between Windhoek and Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) are advised to allow for an extra five minutes of travel time.

 online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>
Hosea Kutako International Airport Shuttle - Windhoek >> 

Garden Route: CemAir suspends flights to Plettenberg Bay until April 2025!

South African domestic and regional carrier CemAir has announced that the suspension of flights to Plettenberg Bay Airport (PBZ) in Plettenberg Bay has been extended to 10 April 2025 due to the continued downgrade of the airport by the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). The airline hopes that by April 2025 the airport will have regained its Category 5 certification, which will allow CemAir to resume its scheduled service
All flights booked from Johannesburg to Plettenberg Bay until 10 April 2025 date will automatically be rebooked on CemAir's service to George Airport (GRJ) in George. Passengers will receive an automated booking change notification with new flight details.
For CemAir's Cape Town passengers travelling to Plettenberg Bay the airline will be introducing a flight between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and George during peak periods. Passengers travelling on these days will receive an automated booking change notification with their new travel details. Passengers travelling on days where no alternative CemAir flight is available will be provided with a credit for the value of their fare.

 online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

South African Airways (SAA): More flights to key destinations!

South African flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA), has announced a significant increase in its flight frequencies to key African destinations, starting next month. Starting in November 2024, SAA will operate 12 weekly flights to both RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare and Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka, up from the current 10 times a week to Harare and up from 7 to Lusaka. Flights to Lagos (Nigeria) and Accra (Ghana) will increase to four times a week, up from three weekly flights. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), SAA will enhance its presence by flying five times a week to N'djili Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa. Domestically, SAA will increase its flights to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to three times a day.

South African Airways (SAA) is also set to increase the frequency of its flights to Mauritius and Perth in Western Australia. The airline will begin flying twice daily to Mauritius from the beginning of December 2024 to coincide with peak holiday season. The first additional frequency to Perth will commence in December 2024 and the second will be added from January 2025, taking the number of return flights to Perth five times a week.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

Mthatha Airport (UTT): Flight disruptions expected due to inclement weather conditions!

Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), the company that provides air traffic, navigation, training and associated services within South Africa, has informed the public that inclement weather conditions are currently affecting operations at Mthatha Airport (UTT) in Mthatha in South Africa's Eastern Cape. Flight disruptions can therefore be expected.
Mthatha Airport (UTT) does have a valid Instrument Flight Procedure for runway (RWY) 14, the runway currently in use today (11 October 2024). However, due to the severe weather conditions this morning, operations are adversely affected as safety is prioritised. We'll keep you posted!

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

eSwatini: Eswatini Air launches a complimentary shuttle service to/from King Mswati III International Airport (SHO)! [update #2]

update (29 October 2024): Eswatini Air has made slight changes to the shuttle service schedule.

update (11 October 2024): Eswatini Air has released the schedule for its new airport schedue connecting Mbabane, Ezulwini, Matsapha, and Manzini with King Mswati III International Airport (SHO):

click to enlarge

The flag carrier of the Kingdom of eSwatini, Eswatini Air, is set to introduce a complimentary shuttle service for all its passengers travelling to and from King Mswati III International Airport (SHO). The shuttle stops include Mbabane, Ezulwini, Matsapha, and Manzini. Eswatini Air's new shuttle service will commence operations on 12 October 2024. The shuttle service can easily be booked on Eswatini Air's website right after completing the purchase of flight tickets. Alternatively, passengers can book via the airline' service centres.

King Mswati III International Airport (SHO) is located near the town of Sikhuphe, about 70 kilometers from the eSwatini's capital, Mbabane, and approximately 80 kilometers from Manzini, the country's largest urban area.
Eswatini Air was founded in 2022 by the Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation (RENAC), which is fully owned by the government of eSwatini. The airline launched its inaugural flights in March 2023. Eswatini Air focuses on regional flights within southern Africa. The airline is currently operating scheduled flights between eSwatini and Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban (all South Africa) and Harare (Zimbabwe).

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

UK: British Airways boosts capacity to South Africa!

The flag carrier airline of the United Kingdon, British Airways, is set to increase capacity on its London to Johannesburg route. The airline will introduce a second daily Airbus A380 service between Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the Northern summer 2025 season. From 01 June 2025 the second daily Airbus A380 service will replace the Boeing 777-300ER currently operating on this route (BA56/BA57).
The additional Airbus A380 flights will provide 215 more seats between London and Johannesburg - 173 more economy seats, 15 more in premium economy, 21 more in business class and six more in first class than the Boeing 777-300ER. The schedules for the daily flights remain unchanged.

 online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

South Africa: Airlink increased flights to two regional destinations!

South African regional carrier Airlink has introduced an additional daily service to Maputo in Mozambique on 01 October 2024. The airline now operates four flights a day from Monday to Saturday between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Maputo International Airport (MPM) in Maputo and two flights on Sundays. The addtional daily flight departs Johannesburg at 08:05 and arrives in Maputo at 09:15. The return flight departs from Maputo at 09:55 and arrives in Johannesburg at 11:00. The new flight is operated by a 98-seat Embraer ERJ 190 AR.
Airlink also introduced and additional flight between Johannesburg and Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam on 21 September 2024. The additional flight on Saturdays departs Johannesburg at 09:40 and arrives in Dar es Salaam at 14:10. The return flight departs Dar es Salaam at 14:50 and arrives in Johannesburg at 17:35. The airline now operates the route to Tanzania daily. 

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

South African Airways increases flights between Johannesburg <> Windhoek!

According to Air Connect Namibia, a collaborative air service development initiative led by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) and mandated to improve air access to Namibia, South African Airways (SAA) is set to increase its service to Windhoek. The South African flag carrier will commence a third daily frequency connecting OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg from with Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek on 27 October 2024. The new frequency will be serviced by SAA’s modern Airbus A320 fleet.

Johannesburg 05:45 > 07:40 Windhoek (NEW!)
Johannesburg 09:05 > 11:00 Windhoek
Johannesburg 15:00 > 16:55 Windhoek

Windhoek 08:30 > 10:15 Johannesburg (NEW!)
Windhoek 11:50 > 13:35 Johannesburg
Windhoek 17:45 > 19:30 Johannesburg

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

South African Airways increases flights between Johannesburg <> Harare!

South African flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA), has announced that it will increase the number of flights to Harare in Zimbabwe to cater for the growing demand. According to the airline, two additional frequencies per week between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare will be introduced with effect from 05 November 2024. The additional flights will increase the number of frequencies from 10 to 12 per week.

Harare flight details:  
Harare 07:20 > 09:00 Johannesburg (Monday to Friday)
Harare 12:25 > 14:05 Johannesburg (Daily)

Johannesburg flight details:
Johannesburg 10:00 > 11:35 Harare (Daily)
Johannesburg 20:10 > 21:45 Harare (Sunday to Thursday)

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

Australia: Qantas starts Airbus A380 flights to South Africa!

The flag carrier of Australia, Qantas, has operated the first Airbus A380 flight between Australia and South Africa on 30 September 2024. The A380 will fly up to six times per week between Sydney Airport (SYC) in Sydney and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and will see a near-doubling of capacity, with an extra 130,000 seats between Australia and Africa every year.
The Qantas Airbus A380 has capacity for 485 passengers across four cabins, with the introduction of the Superjumbo seeing a return of First Class on the route for the first time since 2018. Qantas First features 14 individual suites arranged in an exclusive 1-1-1 configuration and convert into a 212-centimetre bed. The upgauge will also more than double the number of Premium Economy seats available between the cities.
Qantas also intends to relaunch direct flights from Perth to Johannesburg from mid-2025, subject to meeting border agency requirements.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

Qantas & Airlink sign codeshare agreement!

The flag carrier of Australia, Qantas, and South African regional airline, Airlink, have signed a codeshare agreement. Qantas will add its airline code ("QF") on Airlink’s domestic network, enabling seamless connectivity between Qantas' flights to OR Tambo International Airport  (JNB) in Johannesburg and nine South African destinations, including Cape Town, Durban and Hoedspruit. The airline is planning to add additional Airlink destinations in nearby southern African countries over the coming months, pending regulatory approval. We'll keep you posted! 

 online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>