Domestic travel hit as OR Tambo International experiences network glitches
Known as Africa’s largest airport, OR Tambo International is said to be experiencing Information Technology challenges. Media reports indicate that the international airport’s IT network glitches are impacting on domestic travel passenger processing. The airport’s communication team reportedly issued a voice statement to the media on Thursday. The message notes that the OR Tambo Airport
Domestic travel hit as OR Tambo International experiences network glitches
Known as Africa’s largest airport, OR Tambo International is said to be experiencing Information Technology challenges.
Media reports indicate that the international airport’s IT network glitches are impacting on domestic travel passenger processing.
The airport’s communication team reportedly issued a voice statement to the media on Thursday.
The message notes that the OR Tambo Airport has had to make use of manual processes to facilitate the travel of people moving in and out of the airport.
“The OR Tambo International Airport is currently experiencing a challenge with the IT network, this is impacting the baggage sortation system as well as the 2D barcode system,” Samukelo Khambule, the communications specialist at the airport said according to MoneyWeb.
“As a contingency, the operations team is processing baggage manually at terminal B – which is our domestic terminal – as well as the central terminal building.
“The security team has also implemented a manual boarding pass screening process. The teams on site are working tirelessly to resolve the problem.”
The Ekurhuleni-based airport is known as the hub of the country’s air travel, with 21 domestic airports being serviced from the international airport alone.
BusinessTech now understands that the airport facilitates over 21 million travellers each year but it remains unclear what the cause of the glitches in the airport’s IT system is.
However, MoneyWeb reported that the airport management has encouraged travellers to arrive early to prevent further delays in travel which may be caused by the glitch.
In a related article, BTA reported that passengers at OR Tambo International Airport were currently stranded due to airplane fuel shortages.
It is reported that planes at OR Tambo were grounded due to a shortage of fuel caused by a technical problem at the storage facility.
While Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula disputed the claims, it seemed the shortage had left passengers waiting for hours for their flights.
