Travelling to South Africa

24-hour airports for 2010 World Cup

Nthambeleni Gabara

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3 March 2010

South African airports will run 24-hour operations during the 2010 Fifa World Cup, says Airports Company South Africa (Acsa).

Acsa general manager Chris Hlekane said on Tuesday: "OR Tambo, Cape Town, King Shaka, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth International Airports and George airport will operate on a 24-hour basis for the duration of the tournament, depending on daily demand."

Hlekane said the need to supply this level of support had been discussed with employees and unions, adding that assurance had been given that the exceptional circumstances warranted the commitment of assured service provision.

"As such, we are not expecting any labour unrest during the tournament," he said.

Language training

A significant number of Acsa employees will by the time of the tournament be able to deliver customer services of the highest standard in French, German, Italian and Spanish to international visitors.

Acsa has also assured travelling soccer fans that there was no need to worry about a shortage of fuel during the World Cup.

"Acsa is confident that the operational plans in place will ensure that no aviation fuel shortages are experienced during the 2010 Fifa World Cup," said Hlekane. "As such, it has received priority attention with the overall plan and contingencies have been presented to and accepted by Parliament on 10 February."

He said a working committee had also been set up to co-ordinate the fuel supply to airports, adding that a daily plan for fuel usage and delivery had been developed specifically for the month-long tournament.

Source: BuaNews