Statement by the Transport Minister following delays of flight operations due to unattended bag evacuation procedures at Oliver Tambo Airport
20 February 2018 | Department of Transport
The Minister of Transport, Mr Joe Maswanganyi, commends the swift response of both the Airport Company South Africa (ACSA) and the South Africa Police Services (SAPS) following the identification of an unattended bag at the terminal building of the OR Tambo International Airport, yesterday, 19th February 2018.
Minister Maswanganyi also sends his gratitude to the airlines speedy resumption of their scheduled flight operations to minimise the impact of the inconvenience.
“We are grateful for the calm and selfless conduct by passengers when ACSA officials and Law Enforcement Agencies asked for their cooperation during the security evacuation procedure”, said Minister Maswanganyi.
Whilst operations are back to normal, Minister Maswanganyi apologises for the inconvenience caused to passengers and all parties involved.
According to ICAO the South Africa civil aviation sector is efficient, secure, economically sustainable, and environmentally responsible.
“South Africa’s aviation safety has been placed at position one (1) in Africa, and 33 globally by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Our audit results have risen from 83,83% to 86,71%, said Minister Maswanganyi.
Law Enforcement Agencies are yet to conclude their investigation into this unfortunate occurrence including the identification of the owner of the unattended bag.
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