When you think of air travel in O.R. Tambo Airport, South Africa’s primary international gateway located in Johannesburg, also known as Johannesburg International Airport. It's the busiest airport on the continent, handling over 21 million passengers a year and connecting Africa to the world. This isn’t just a place where planes land — it’s a hub for business, tourism, and sometimes, controversy. From sudden flight cancellations to new terminal upgrades, what happens here affects millions.
Behind the scenes, South African Airways, the national carrier that operates major routes from O.R. Tambo to destinations across Africa, Europe, and Asia has been fighting to stay afloat, while private airlines like FlySafair and Lift are expanding their schedules. If you’ve ever waited hours for a delayed flight here, you’re not alone — weather, strikes, and outdated infrastructure often cause ripple effects. The Airports Company South Africa, the state-owned entity that manages O.R. Tambo and nine other airports nationwide has been under pressure to modernize. New security scanners, better signage, and upgraded baggage systems are slowly rolling out, but progress is uneven. Travelers still report long lines at immigration, broken elevators, and confusing layouts — especially during peak holiday seasons.
It’s not just about flights. O.R. Tambo is tied to bigger stories — like when the government announced plans to rename parts of the airport after anti-apartheid icons, sparking public debate. Or when cargo delays hit export businesses in Gauteng, costing millions. Even the nearby N1 highway, which connects the airport to the city, has become a talking point after repeated roadworks caused chaos for shuttle services. You’ll find reports here about all of it — the real, day-to-day stuff that travelers and locals deal with.
Below, you’ll find the latest updates on O.R. Tambo Airport — from flight disruptions and new routes to infrastructure news and insider tips. Whether you’re flying out this week or just keeping an eye on South Africa’s transport pulse, this collection cuts through the noise.
On November 13, 2025, 153 Palestinians arrived in Johannesburg without documentation, sparking accusations that Israel facilitated their forced displacement from Gaza. South Africa investigates, while survivors say they were deceived by unregistered agencies.