CAPE TOWN – Flight disruptions caused by airspace closures in the Middle East have resulted in 14 flight cancellations across South Africa’s three major international airports, affecting thousands of passengers over the weekend.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed on Sunday morning that the ongoing closure of UAE airspace has impacted flights operated by Emirates and Qatar Airways, with O.R. Tambo International Airport bearing the brunt of the disruptions.
Major airports affected
O.R. Tambo International recorded eight cancellations comprising seven outbound and one inbound flight. Cape Town International saw four outbound cancellations, whilst King Shaka International in Durban experienced two outbound cancellations.
The disruptions stem from multiple airspace closures across the Middle East following escalating conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have all announced at least partial closures of their airspace.
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Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai until at least 15:00 UAE time (13:00 SAST) on Sunday, 1 March, whilst Qatar Airways has suspended all flight operations due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
Passenger advice
Cape Town Tourism has advised travellers to contact their airline, travel agent or airport directly to confirm flight status before heading to the airport. The organisation emphasised that passengers should expect ongoing disruptions and allow for delays.
ACSA has urged passengers to contact their airlines or relevant embassies directly for the latest flight schedules and status updates. Emirates customers booked to travel within 72 hours can rebook on alternate flights up to 10 days from their original travel date or request refunds.
Qatar Airways passengers have been advised to monitor flight information via the airline’s website or mobile app, with the next update scheduled for 2 March at 09:00 Doha time (08:00 SAST).
Global impact
According to aviation analytics company Cirium, of around 4 218 flights scheduled to land in Middle Eastern countries on Saturday, 966 were cancelled. Flight tracking website FlightAware reported more than 19 000 flights delayed globally and more than 2 600 cancelled.
Cape Town Tourism stated it remains in contact with key aviation and tourism partners and will provide updates as new information becomes available. The organisation has emphasised that safety remains the highest priority for all travellers.
ACSA confirmed its commitment to traveller safety, with thoughts extended to those impacted by the disruptions.
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