OR Tambo International Airport: What caused long queues and travel delays explained

Travellers at OR Tambo International Airport experienced significant delays on July 1, 2025, due to operational disruptions affecting security checkpoints.

The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed the issues and mobilized efforts to manage the situation. These disruptions resulted in long queues and frustration for both domestic and international passengers.

Causes of Operational Disruptions at OR Tambo International Airport Security Checkpoints

ACSA attributed the delays to “operational disruptions” at security screening areas, although the precise cause was not publicly detailed.

The disruptions were isolated to OR Tambo International Airport and did not affect other airports within South Africa’s network. Reports indicated technical system failures combined with staff shortages contributed to the slowdown in passenger processing.

Such incidents highlight the complexity of airport security operations and the need for continuous system maintenance and contingency planning to prevent travel interruptions.

Passenger Experience and Impact of Long Queues at OR Tambo Airport

Passengers faced extended waiting times, with queues stretching well beyond usual limits, raising concerns about missed flights and disrupted travel plans. Social media platforms saw numerous complaints and calls for better communication from airport authorities.

In response, ACSA deployed additional staff and security personnel to manage the queues and expedite screening processes.

By late Tuesday evening, domestic flight operations were largely stabilized, but international travellers continued to face delays. The disruption underscored the importance of preparedness in handling sudden operational challenges at one of Africa’s busiest airports.

Travel Advisory and Safety Recommendations for Passengers at OR Tambo Airport

ACSA urged passengers to arrive earlier than usual — at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures — to allow ample time for check-in and security screening.

Travellers were also advised to proceed directly to security checkpoints immediately after check-in to avoid further delays.

The advisory stressed cooperation with airport staff and patience during the ongoing recovery phase. Such recommendations are critical to mitigate the cascading effects of disruptions and ensure passenger safety and smooth airport operations.

Ongoing Recovery Efforts and Resolution of OR Tambo Airport Operational Issues

Technical teams worked throughout the day and night to identify and resolve the operational issues causing the security checkpoint bottlenecks. ACSA confirmed that efforts were focused on restoring full operational capacity by the following day.

Airport management also committed to reviewing security protocols and infrastructure to reduce the risk of similar disruptions in the future. These efforts reflect ACSA’s commitment to maintaining service quality and minimizing inconvenience to passengers.

Broader Implications of Operational Disruptions on South African Airport Security and Passenger Flow

This incident at OR Tambo International Airport highlights broader challenges faced by airports globally — the need to balance stringent security requirements with efficient passenger throughput.

Delays due to technical glitches or staffing shortages can severely impact passenger experience and airline schedules. For South Africa, the disruption draws attention to the importance of investing in advanced security technologies, training, and crisis management strategies.

Enhancing communication with passengers during such events is also vital to managing expectations and maintaining confidence in the country’s aviation infrastructure.

Managing Future Operational Disruptions to Improve Passenger Experience at OR Tambo Airport

While the operational disruptions on July 1, 2025, caused inconvenience to thousands of travellers, the quick response by ACSA staff and technical teams helped mitigate the impact. The incident serves as a call to action for ongoing investments in airport infrastructure and operational resilience.

Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and heed travel advisories to navigate unforeseen disruptions smoothly. Strengthening contingency measures and communication protocols will be key in ensuring OR Tambo International Airport continues to operate efficiently as Africa’s busiest aviation hub.