Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) can confirm its operational readiness in preparation for the arrival of foreign heads of state ahead of the Presidential Inauguration of the 7th Administration of the Republic of South Africa on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, at O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA).
ACSA can confirm at this stage that there are four confirmed arrivals out of the fourteen (14) invitees who confirmed their attendance at the inauguration and whose arrival in South Africa will be facilitated through ORTIA.
In line with ACSA's safety and security protocols and in collaboration with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the arriving heads of state will be met by the National Ceremonial Guard and will be accompanied by ceremonial dancers. A special facilitation gate that is used by heads of national government, foreign ministers, and guests of government arriving and departing on international flights has been allocated for the duration of the week.
"I can confirm that ACSA is ready to not only handle the pressure and logistics for the arrival of foreign heads of state to the country but also to ensure that all necessary security checks and measures are in place for the arrival of these dignitaries," says ACSA Regional General Manager Jabulani Khambule.
"A multi-stakeholder approach involving various law enforcement agencies has been put in place to activate the additional security measures required at the airport, as has been successfully implemented in the past whenever we've welcomed heads of state."
Travellers are advised that there will be limited access to the airport precinct due to several road closures and high police activity this week. Passengers and stakeholders are advised of the following complete/and or partial road closures that enclose the precinct from Tuesday, 18 June 2024 to 24:00 (midnight) on Saturday, 22 June 2024:
• Cargo Road
• Arrivals Road
To properly manage the flow of traffic, kindly note that vehicles on airport roadways will be diverted by the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department to the departures (upper) roadway as well as Parkade 2 South, Levels 2 and 3, for pick-up and drop-off purposes.
As a result, travellers are advised to factor in additional travelling time to ORTIA.
We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.
//ENDS//
