OR Tambo Security Staffing Glitches Result In Delays With Airlines Alerting Travellers To Impact

Several airlines operating from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) warned passengers of delays, as staffing shortages at security checkpoints resulted in long queues and flight delays. This was particularly evident on July 1, with notices issued by Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and FlySafair.

FlySafair cited “operational changes” as the reason, while Air France-KLM said JNB was experiencing low staff turnout at all its Central Screening Points, because Acsa had taken over security responsibilities from the previous service providers.

Acsa told Travel News that the delays were the result of operational glitches during a scheduled shift change of its internal security screening personnel. It had expected to restore its operational capacity at security checkpoints by the morning of July 2. However, FlightRadar24 data revealed that multiple airlines continued to experience delays, with departures ranging between 20 and 30 minutes past scheduled times.

“The situation improved progressively during the day as the newly assigned security screening staff became acclimatised to the operational environment,” said Acsa.

This comes amid reports of a tender dispute for security and K9 services at Acsa airports.

A previous security and K9 service provider, Raps K9, has sent a letter to SACAA, claiming that Acsa’s tender process for security services was unfairly restricted and did not honour existing contracts.

According to Raps K9’s legal representation, Acsa’s conduct with regard to its security tender process could potentially pose a risk to its airport safety and security from July 1.

Acsa has dismissed any link between the delays and the tender process and says all necessary measures are now in place to ensure smoother transitions in the future.