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
|