Johannesburg, 14 December 2013 – Airports Company South
Africa has reiterated that it is ready to facilitate passengers ahead of former
President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s funeral tomorrow. The company says it has contingency plans in place at East London Airport to
ensure that the facility is ready to handle the number of aircraft and
passengers expected to use the airport, en route to Qunu. Earlier this week,
East London Airport facilitated unscheduled flights that were diverted from
Mthatha Airport due to unfavourable weather conditions. “Airports Company South Africa has over the past week deployed additional
staff and resources at both East London and Mthatha Airports to assist with
operations, although the latter does not form part of the company’s network of
airports,” said Airports Company South Africa spokesperson, Unathi
Batyashe-Fillis. Due to the time of year as well as increased travel to East London this
weekend, passengers arriving and departing from Airports Company South Africa’s
airports are encouraged to liaise with their airlines to receive up-to-date
information about their travel schedules. Furthermore, passengers are advised to
arrive at the airports at least two hours before their departure time to ensure
smooth facilitation for check-in, security and boarding procedures. This applies
to both domestic and international travellers. Airports Company South Africa will communicate any relevant impact on its
services via its website www.airports.co.za, customer care line
and the media. For further information relating to the funeral arrangements and procession,
please visit the official funeral website, www.mandela.gov.za or www.gcis.gov.za For media-related enquiries, please contact: Unathi
Batyashe-Fillis Airports Company South Africa Spokesperson Direct: +27 (0)
11 921 6087 Cell: +27 (0) 79 882 7307 Email: unathi.batyashe-fillis@airports.co.za |