Johannesburg, 9 December 2013 – Airports Company South Africa announced today that it is working with all the relevant stakeholders to implement plans to facilitate the movement of passengers and aircraft, following the death of former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

The company has measures in place to handle the anticipated high number of visitors such as heads of states, dignitaries, celebrities and the general South African public who have started using the company’s facilities as they travel to and through Gauteng and the Eastern Cape to pay their final respects to Mandela.

Normal major event processes have been activated at O.R. Tambo International and East London Airports. In addition, Airports Company South Africa has already deployed some of its employees to Mthatha Airport to assist with operations. Mthatha Airport, which is not part of the Airports Company South Africa network of airports, will be provided with the necessary support and capacity to cope with the demand placed on its operations during this time.

The company has also confirmed that its fuel supply is stable and sufficient to deal with the demands over the next few days.

“While Madiba’s death and funeral is on an unprecedented scale, Airports Company South Africa has successfully facilitated major international events in the past. We are confident that we will be able to serve the mourners with dignity and professionalism in this regard,” says Andre Vermeulen, Acting Operations Director of Airports Company South Africa.

Due to the expected increase in passengers arriving and departing from Airports Company South Africa’s airports over the coming days, travellers are encouraged to liaise very closely with their airlines in order to receive up-to-date information with regards to 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 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.

Hamba kakuhle Tata, Ah Dalibhunga! Airports Company South Africa bids you farewell with the dignity you deserve.

For further information, please visit the official funeral website, www.mandela.gov.za or www.gcis.gov.za

For media-related queries, 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