Power restored at Cape Town International Airport after fire emergency

Power has been restored at Cape Town International Airport following a fire in the Northern Service Yard on Tuesday.

The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) reported that the fire was detected at approximately 11:15 am and extinguished shortly thereafter. Social media showed emergency personnel and fire teams on-site, observing safety protocols.

As a precaution, sections of the International Terminal affected by smoke were evacuated. ACSA confirmed that technical teams are stabilising network and IT systems, with services gradually returning to normal.

“While technical teams are currently stabilizing network and IT systems, services are progressively returning to normal,” ACSA said. 

Ofentse Dijoe, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) Group Spokesperson, said the fire affected the network and IT services, including the Wi-Fi, and that international departures have been temporarily suspended.

“Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) confirms that a fire occurred on the landside of the airport,” Dijoe said. “The fire has been extinguished, and all passengers, staff, and visitors are safe. Passenger safety remains our highest priority.

“The fire affected network and IT services, including airport Wi-Fi and other essential systems. As a precautionary measure, international departures have been temporarily suspended, and incoming international flights are being diverted. International flights that have already landed are being processed.

“Passengers travelling on domestic departures or arriving on domestic flights are advised to check directly with their airlines and the ACSA Mobile App for the latest flight information.

“Further updates will be provided as verified information becomes available.”

Later, CTIA provided an operational update on the fire, stating that technical teams are currently stabilizing network and IT systems, services are progressively returning to normal. The current status is as follows:

• International Departures: Operations have resumed. However, due to the earlier suspension, passengers should expect delays and schedule adjustments.
• International Arrivals: Some flights were diverted during the incident. Passengers are urged to confirm arrival statuses directly with their airlines.
• Domestic Flights: Both arrivals and departures experienced minor disruptions due to system outages. Delays may persist as operations stabilize.

The City’s Fire and Rescue diverted Cape Argus to ACSA for a response when approached for their role during the incident.

The fire comes just days after CTIA announced its R10.143 billion phased infrastructure upgrade, part of Airports Company South Africa’s (ACSA) R21.7 billion national investment. This aims to boost capacity, operations, and economic growth.

The flagship project is a new R6.39 billion, realigned 3,500m main runway (contractor planned for Dec 2026). This Code F compliant runway, with rapid exit taxiways, will improve air traffic flow, efficiency, and accommodate next-generation aircraft.

Dijoe explained that complementing this is the expansion of the Domestic Terminal (anticipated start April 2027), totaling R2.89 billion (R2.39 billion for Arrivals, R500 million for Departures), which will significantly increase passenger processing, circulation, and include additional contact gates and apron capacity.

The International Terminal will also see R863 million in phased enhancements, including new apron stands, expanded commercial offerings, and improved immigration areas.

Acting Regional General Manager, Thabo Phateng, stated the developments are crucial for strengthening CTIA's role as a major economic gateway for the Western Cape and South Africa, supporting sustained passenger, tourism, and trade growth.

All projects will be carefully phased to minimize disruption. Conceptual images reveal a redesigned passenger experience focusing on comfort, accessibility, and efficiency, with expanded circulation, modern facilities, and natural light.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus