Passengers scheduled to fly with LIFT from King Shaka International Airport to OR Tambo International Airport today were unfortunately met with unexpected delays.
Godfrey Mkhwanazi, shared on X his frustration of using the airline for the first time and being met with three delays, despite having arrived at the airport on time.
“I got to the airport at 6am. Expecting to board a flight at 8am. 3 delays and 9 hours later I’ll be MAYBE arriving at my destination which should’ve taken 2 hours at most, this 2 hours EXCLUDES THE FLIGHT DURATION. Thank you @LiftAirlineSA . This was outstanding service,” said @Feralspunky.
I got to the airport at 6am. Expecting to board a flight at 8am. 3 delays and 9 hours later I’ll be MAYBE arriving at my destination which should’ve taken 2 hours at most, this 2 hours EXCLUDES THE FLIGHT DURATION. Thank you @LiftAirlineSA . This was outstanding service.
— Godfrey Mkhwanazi (@Feralspunky) February 1, 2025
One passenger speaking to IOL, anonymously explained that the flight was scheduled for 8:00am, at 8am, it was delayed until 9:30. At 9:30 it was delayed until 12:45.
“At 12:41, a Lift representative came to inform us that the flight was delayed again until 2pm.
"There aren't any concrete explanations, one representative said; ‘It's due to many factors, such as baggage, passengers’.”
The passenger explained that they received sms for each delay and the situation had left many passengers fuming.
A senior representative has assured passengers that the plane has definitely left Johannesburg, saying it should arrive by 13.15 and hopefully they would be boarding at 2.00. “People are really upset, some have missed funerals, specialist appointments.”
The passengers' frustration also resulted in two police officers being brought in because people are so disgruntled at King Shaka International airport.
Earlier this year, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed that it had secured sufficient jet fuel supply for O.R. Tambo International Airport for January and was working to mitigate any disruptions in February. This followed a fire at the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (NATREF) refinery.
“The distribution of fuel remains at the discretion of airlines and fuel suppliers subject to their respective commercial contracts. Airlines and suppliers are exploring alternative measures, such as tankering (refuelling at other Airports), to manage fuel needs,"said ACSA.
A LIFT spokesperson speaking to IOL said:“Unfortunately, we experienced two unforeseen disruptions today which created lengthy delays for some of our passengers.
"We apologise sincerely for the inconvenience caused, and this is not our normal standard of service, however safety will always remain our top priority. We can confirm the disruptions have been rectified and normal operations are resuming.”
IOL