Widespread Flight Disruption Strands Travellers
Hundreds of travellers have found themselves unexpectedly stranded at major airports across Southern and Eastern Africa following a significant wave of flight cancellations. The disruption, impacting key international hubs, has left passengers scrambling for alternatives as multiple airlines ground their services.
Key Airports and Airlines Affected
The situation is most acute at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, which has borne the brunt of the chaos. Reports confirm eight flight cancellations and 40 delays at this hub alone. In Egypt, Cairo International Airport has experienced three cancellations and 18 delays. Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi has also been hit, with four flights cancelled and one delayed.
The airlines involved in grounding these journeys include South African Airlink, Precision Air, Air Cairo, and Air Botswana. A total of 15 flights have been cancelled across these carriers. The disruptions affect both domestic and international routes, causing issues for passengers on both departing and arriving flights.
Expert Advice for Affected Passengers
In response to the turmoil, travel expert Katy Nastro from the flight tracking site Going has issued urgent guidance for those caught up in the situation. Her primary recommendation is to act swiftly. 'Getting rebooked on the first flight available comes down to how fast you’re able to get in touch with someone,' she advised.
Nastro suggests a multi-pronged approach: join the customer service queue at the airport to speak to someone in person, while simultaneously trying to resolve the issue via the airline's mobile app. Phoning the airline's helpline is another viable option while waiting in line.
She also highlighted that airline agents can see available options in real-time and may have interline agreements to book travellers onto other carriers. If a suitable solution cannot be found, passengers have the right to request a full refund and book with a different airline.
To minimise the risk of future travel plans being derailed, Nastro recommends booking morning flights, as statistics show they are statistically less likely to be cancelled. All passengers travelling to or from the affected destinations are urged to keep a close eye on their flight status.
