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The Cape Town International Airport fire caused major travel disruptions on Tuesday, leading to temporary suspension of international departures and delays across domestic routes. Passengers experienced confusion as airport systems were affected, forcing authorities to implement emergency safety measures.
International Flights Temporarily Suspended
According to Airports Company South Africa, international departures were briefly suspended as a precaution after a fire broke out on the landside of Cape Town International Airport.
Spokesperson Ofentse Dijoe confirmed that the decision was taken to prioritize passenger safety. Incoming international flights were diverted to alternative airports, while aircraft that had already landed were processed under controlled conditions.
Airport authorities stated that the fire was extinguished and no injuries were reported. All passengers, staff, and visitors were confirmed safe.
Domestic Travel Also Affected
While the suspension mainly impacted international departures, domestic flights were not spared from delays. Travellers were advised to check directly with their respective airlines or the airport mobile app for real time updates.
Several flights experienced extended waiting times due to reduced arrival and departure capacity. The disruption created a ripple effect across multiple airlines operating in and out of Cape Town.
Baggage Handling System Unavailable
One of the most significant operational impacts of the Cape Town International Airport fire was the failure of the baggage handling system. This led airlines to advise passengers to travel with hand luggage only where possible.
FlySafair confirmed that although no injuries occurred, the airport electrical and operational systems were affected. The airline reported that arrival and departure rates had been reduced.
In a public update, FlySafair strongly recommended that passengers departing from Cape Town travel with carry on baggage only to minimize further delays and ease congestion within the terminal.
Network and Payment Systems Disrupted
The fire also disrupted essential network and IT services at the airport. Airport WiFi services were temporarily unavailable, and payment systems inside the terminal experienced outages.
Passengers reported difficulties making card payments at airport retailers, with some stores accepting cash only. Airline check in processes were also affected due to system interruptions, adding to the overall delays and uncertainty.
These technical challenges compounded the operational strain, making it difficult for travelers to receive timely updates or complete standard departure procedures efficiently.
Passenger Experiences Amid Delays
Travellers at the airport described scenes of confusion as information was gradually communicated. Some passengers with connecting international flights faced uncertainty about rebooking and rerouting options.
Authorities continued to urge passengers to remain calm and follow instructions from airport personnel. Designated safety areas were activated as part of standard emergency procedures.
Despite the inconvenience, airport management emphasized that passenger safety remained the top priority throughout the incident.
Investigation Underway
Airports Company South Africa confirmed that investigations into the cause of the Cape Town International Airport fire are currently underway. Further updates will be released once verified information becomes available.
Officials have not yet disclosed the origin or extent of structural damage caused by the fire. However, restoration of affected systems and gradual normalization of flight operations are expected as technical teams complete their assessments.
What Travellers Should Know
Passengers scheduled to travel through Cape Town are advised to:
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Check flight status directly with their airline
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Arrive earlier than usual due to potential delays
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Travel with hand luggage only if possible
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Follow airport staff instructions at all times
Airlines continue to monitor the situation and adjust operations as necessary.
