JOHANNESBURG, 6 June 2017 – “One hell of a storm” is expected to hit Cape Town and the Western Cape this evening and tomorrow and has been described by several media pundits as “unprecedented” and upgraded to “Helluva” and even “Moerse”. Against this backdrop, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has put a number of plans in place.
Airports in centres that are expected to bear the brunt of the storm such as Cape Town, George, East London and Port Elizabeth have completed a host of preparations that include ensuring that heavy equipment on the airside is appropriately secured, that storm water channels are clear to avoid floods and making sure that key staff are on standby to respond to possible spills, leaks or flooding.
In addition, Airports Company South Africa has warned that in the event of flight delays at one airport there could be a knock-on effect at other airports across the country.
Passengers are advised to stay in touch with their respective airlines for updates on possible delays and rescheduled flights. No flights have so far been delayed or cancelled.
Weather delays are fundamentally a matter of safety and airport operations will always defer to the judgment of the Air Traffic Navigation Services when flights need to be delayed or cancelled. Airports are prepared and equipped to deal with the possible impact of the storm. Airports Company South Africa will continue to do all it can to minimise disruption and to keep the passenger experience as efficient and comfortable as possible.
For queries, contact:
Cape Town International Airport: Deidre Davids – 021 937 1303; 082 377 4521; [email protected]
Regional airports: Senzeni Ndebele (for George, East London, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Upington) – 011 723 2678; 062 083 4858; [email protected]
O. R. Tambo International Airport: Leigh Gunkel-Keuler – 062 868 5670; [email protected]
King Shaka International Airport: Colin Naidoo – 032 436 6609; 082 820 2744; [email protected]
Header image: Cape Town Storm clouds at Slangkop Lighthouse Kommetjie courtesy of Times Media. Credit: HALDEN-KROG.
