Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) issued an advisory on 1 March 2026 warning of ongoing international flight disruptions linked to developments in the Middle East and the continued closure of United Arab Emirates airspace.
Image used for illustrative purposes/Andy Mitchell/Wikimedia Commons
According to ACSA, passengers scheduled to depart from South African airports to destinations in the Middle East and the UAE should not proceed to airport precincts until they have confirmed their flight status directly with their airline. The advisory applies across the country’s major international gateways, including O.R. Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Ongoing International Flight Disruptions 🚨
01 MARCH 2026Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) notes ongoing global flight disruptions due to the evolving situation in the Middle East and the continued closure of United Arab Emirates (UAE) airspace.… pic.twitter.com/uwTE5ifzl8
— Airports Company SA (@Airports_ZA) March 1, 2026
Airspace closures in the UAE have had a ripple effect on global schedules, with carriers adjusting routes, delaying departures and, in some cases, cancelling services altogether. Travellers are urged to verify their booking status before leaving home to avoid congestion at terminals.
For rebooking and assistance, passengers can contact:
South African citizens currently stranded in affected areas are advised to contact the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) or their nearest South African mission for consular support.
Tel: +27 12 351 1000
Email: [email protected]
ACSA says it is monitoring the situation closely in coordination with aviation stakeholders and will provide further updates as more information becomes available. In the meantime, passengers are encouraged to rely only on verified updates from official sources and their respective airlines.
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