A technical problem affecting the check-in and baggage sorting system of FlySafair — one of South Africa's biggest airlines — caused multiple flight delays on Wednesday, resulting in dozens of irate passengers waiting in lengthy lines at OR Tambo International Airport.
South Africa’s airlines and airport operators have come under the spotlight in recent weeks as a series of disruptions increased flight delays, leading to customer dissatisfaction.
Though FlySafair said the issue had been rectified and all systems were operating normally by the afternoon, the system problems affected the schedule for all of Wednesday, with newly updated departure times being communicated to customers, it said.
“We regret to confirm a technical issue affected our check-in and bag sort[ing] system which has resulted in the delay of several flights,” the Johannesburb-based international low-cost airline told BusinessLive.
“The issue has been rectified and all systems are operating normally again. Departures are proceeding according to the newly updated departure times, which are being communicated to customers using the telephone numbers provided at the time of booking.”
Flight delays affect productivity and cost carriers thousands every year, while leaving passengers frustrated.
Extending apologies to customers who were inconvenienced, FlySafair said bags affected by the sorting delays had been allocated to subsequent flights, and the final cargo of these was scheduled to depart Johannesburg at 3pm. “We appreciate the patience and understanding from our customers as we work through this challenge,” said the airline.
“As the most punctual airline in the world, we take our promise to be punctual seriously and we are working to minimise the effect of this issue as much as possible.”
Travellers have not had it easy recently. Several interruptions have led to an increase in the frequency of flight delays with interruptions lasting between 30 minutes and two hours.
In anticipation of the summer season rush, which runs from November to March, Airports Company South Africa has announced multiple new airline routes and additional flights to several of its airports
The challenges facing the commercial aviation sector were compounded when the South African Civil Aviation Authority in July suspended instrument flight procedures by Air Traffic and Navigation Services, which are essential for ensuring the safe operation of aircraft. The suspension was due to a failure to have the procedures renewed in line with regulations.
This resulted in more than 2,000 flights experiencing delays since July, according to industry experts. The delays prompted transport minister Barbara Creecy to convene several meetings with the aviation body to address the issue.
In anticipation of the summer season rush, which runs from November to March, Airports Company South Africa has announced multiple new airline routes and additional flights to several of its airports.
FlySafair this month began its inaugural international service, connecting Cape Town with Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, Namibia. Flights on the new route will operate twice a week.
Meanwhile, the Fuels Industry Association of South Africa, which had previously warned a jet fuel shortage before the peak festive season could hamper the country’s busiest airports — including King Shaka International and OR Tambo International — has gained some relief.
This week South African Revenue Service commissioner Edward Kieswetter granted special permission for the importation of kerosene fuel from October 21 to October 20 2025. It said this extension would allow parties to attend to the complexities involved in deregistering manufacturing warehouses and registering affected storage facilities.
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