Weather disruptions clear at OR Tambo following festive travel chaos

Zuko Komisa

Normal flight operations have resumed at OR Tambo International Airport following a Sunday of significant delays and diversions during the festive travel peak.
While initially attributed to staffing issues, ATNS confirmed that severe thunderstorms and hazardous weather conditions were responsible for the disruption.
Authorities are actively monitoring the airspace and coordinating with airlines to manage the passenger backlog while maintaining strict safety protocols.

Operations at OR Tambo International Airport have returned to normal this Monday following a wave of flight delays and diversions that disrupted the peak festive travel period.

The chaos occurred on Sunday as thousands of families attempted to fly home at the conclusion of the Christmas and New Year break.

Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) initially attributed the disruption to staffing issues but has since clarified that severe thunderstorms were the primary cause.

The state-owned company confirmed that intense weather conditions over Johannesburg made the airspace temporarily unsafe for landings, forcing several inbound flights to divert to alternative airports.

Spokesperson Mphilo Dlamini stated that while the systems are now fully operational, teams will continue to monitor the situation at the airport closely.

ATNS is currently working alongside airlines and airport authorities to clear the remaining backlog and ensure passenger safety remains the top priority.