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