OR Tambo Airport keeps an eye on possible taxi protests this morning
Management of OR. Tambo International Airport is aware of a possible protest by taxi operators starting this morning that may disrupt access to the airport.
The airport management has advised passengers to allow for delays and longer travelling time to the airport.
The Gauteng Metered Taxi Operators Committee (GMTCO) yesterday notified management of Gautrain that it would be marching to the company’s offices on Thursday morning.
Airport management understands that the protestors will gather in the vicinity of OR Tambo International Airport and shopping malls on the East Rand by 9am and proceed to the Gautrain head office in Midrand.
The GMTCO expects to arrive in Midrand between 10am and 11am.
Routes that are expected to be affected include:
- The R21 Engen One Stop at O. R. Tambo International Airport;
- The R21 at Olifantsfontein Road;
- The R21-R24 split;
- The R24 at Barbara Road;
- The N3 at the Gillooly’s interchange;
- Eastgate Mall; and
- East Rand Mall.
“We are staying in close contact with the metro authorities and the South African Police Service in order to keep the routes into and out of the airport open,” said Leigh Gunkel-Keuler, spokesperson of O. R. Tambo International Airport.
“However, protest action of this nature is not entirely predictable and passengers scheduled to depart from the airport on Thursday should make every effort to give themselves more time to get to the airport.”
Airport management also advised passengers travelling on Thursday to follow news updates on the protest action to ensure that they are aware of potential delays.
Where possible, passengers heading for the airport should use public transport such as buses and the Gautrain.
