Published on January 18, 2026
In an unfortunate turn of events, both OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) have been heavily impacted by a surge in flight delays and cancellations today, sending ripples through the travel plans of hundreds of passengers. With air travel already under pressure globally, these disruptions have added significant stress for travelers departing from and arriving into South Africa.
According to the latest flight data, a staggering 47 delays and 20 cancellations have been recorded across the two airports combined. While South African travelers are no strangers to occasional delays, the volume of cancellations and the sheer scale of delays on this particular day have prompted heightened concerns within the aviation community.

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At OR Tambo, South Africa’s busiest airport, there have been a total of 34 delays and 15 cancellations. The situation was no better at Cape Town International, where the airport reported 13 delays and five cancellations. Airlines affected by these disruptions range from local carriers like South African Airways and South African Airlink, to international giants including Lufthansa, Ethiopian Airlines, and British Airways.
While the reasons for the delays and cancellations remain varied, a combination of weather-related issues, operational challenges, and increased passenger demand in the post-holiday season have likely contributed to the travel turmoil.

OR Tambo International: Delays and Cancellations Create Backlog of Passengers

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OR Tambo International, the main gateway for both international and domestic flights in South Africa, has faced significant delays and cancellations, particularly with the national carrier, South African Airways, reporting a considerable number of disruptions. Six cancellations and one delay were reported for South African Airways alone, while their regional counterpart, South African Airlink, also struggled with 13 delays and five cancellations. Furthermore, international carriers like Lufthansa and Ethiopian Airlines reported delays as well, indicating that the turbulence was not confined to South African airlines.
Flights originating from or passing through OR Tambo have felt the brunt of this disruption. With 7 cancellations and 18 delays reported at OR Tambo alone, passengers have been left frustrated as they wait for updates. The busiest routes between Johannesburg, London, Frankfurt, and Nairobi have been particularly affected, with some flights experiencing a 2 to 4-hour delay.

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For passengers headed to or coming from the United States, the news is slightly better, with no cancellations or delays recorded within the US-bound network for the day. This offers some relief to travelers, although they are still faced with the challenge of navigating the airport during periods of peak congestion.
Airport authorities have indicated that they are working tirelessly to minimize the disruptions. However, passengers are urged to check their flight status before heading to the airport to avoid unnecessary delays.

Cape Town International Airport Faces Significant Travel Delays

Meanwhile, Cape Town International, one of Africa’s top airports, has not been spared from the disruption storm. While the airport typically handles a slightly smaller number of flights compared to OR Tambo, it still reported 13 delays and five cancellations today.
South African Airways, again, faced the brunt of the delays at Cape Town, with multiple delays recorded for flights to destinations like London and Dubai. The airline’s counterpart, South African Airlink, also struggled with four delays. International airlines such as British Airways and Ethiopian Airlines had minor delays but no cancellations.
The delays are reportedly due to a combination of factors, including minor technical issues, unexpected weather changes, and air traffic control delays. Passengers traveling to international destinations such as London Heathrow, George, and Lisbon have seen their flights delayed by up to 3 hours in some cases.
Despite the situation, Cape Town International has been praised for its management of the disruptions, with clear signage and communication efforts aimed at easing passenger frustrations. The airport’s staff have been working tirelessly to ensure that passengers are kept informed, although the impact of the delays is evident as hundreds of passengers scramble to rebook their flights.

International Airports Feeling the Pressure

It’s not just South African flights that have been affected. International airports around the world, such as London Heathrow (LHR), Frankfurt International (FRA), and Istanbul Airport (IST), have been facing their own set of challenges today. London Heathrow reported a total of 2 cancellations and 66% of flights being delayed, further adding to the woes for travelers connecting through these major hubs.
Airlines operating out of these airports, such as British Airways, Emirates, and Lufthansa, have confirmed that some of their inbound and outbound flights have been affected by weather conditions and high traffic volumes.
However, the majority of delays recorded at OR Tambo and Cape Town International were local in nature, with few international departures facing significant disruptions. Authorities at both airports have assured that air traffic is expected to return to normal soon, as the peak traffic period winds down.

Mitigating the Impact: What Travelers Need to Know

For travelers departing from OR Tambo and Cape Town International, the advice is clear: check your flight status ahead of time. In such cases, airlines are expected to provide timely updates regarding any delays, cancellations, or gate changes.
Passengers whose flights have been cancelled may be eligible for rebooking or compensation, depending on the airline and the specific circumstances. Additionally, those with long delays may be provided with meal vouchers or other accommodations depending on the airline’s policies.
Both airports recommend that passengers arrive at least 3 hours before their scheduled international flights to ensure that they can navigate the busy check-in and security procedures, especially with the increased disruptions today.

A Long Road Ahead: Will Air Travel in South Africa Improve?

While these delays and cancellations are an unfortunate reality for passengers at both OR Tambo and Cape Town International, they shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by South African aviation. Airports, airlines, and regulatory authorities continue to work on improving operational efficiency, safety measures, and overall customer experience, especially in light of the rising demand for air travel.
In the coming weeks, travelers are encouraged to stay informed, maintain flexibility in their travel plans, and be patient as the aviation industry continues to recover from pandemic-related setbacks. With efforts from all stakeholders, the goal is to enhance air travel services and minimize disruptions in the future.

Conclusion: Navigating the Chaos at South Africa’s Airports

Traveling through OR Tambo and Cape Town International today has undoubtedly been challenging for many. The disruptions at both airports remind us of the complexities of modern air travel, where factors such as weather, airline operations, and air traffic management all play a significant role in shaping the travel experience. With continued efforts from both airports and airlines to mitigate the disruptions, there’s hope that smoother travel days lie ahead for South Africa’s passengers.
As always, it’s important to stay updated with flight status notifications and airport information, especially during high-traffic periods, to avoid any further frustrations.

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Tags: Air travel News, airport delays, Cape Town, Cape Town International, flight cancellations

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