Johannesburg: South Africa's points of entry are ready to host global leaders who will be in the country for the Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders' Summit, says Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy. 'The aviation sector has completed all critical preparations to meet the rigorous standards expected for this historic event. On the 25th of October this year, we had our first dry run, which demonstrated the readiness of all the ports of entry, and it set a benchmark for a high standard of operational excellence for this important Leaders' Summit,' the Minister said on Wednesday.
According to South African Government News Agency, the first G20 Leaders' Summit on African soil will take place at the weekend. Addressing a media briefing in Johannesburg on the state of readiness for the upcoming G20 Summit, Creecy said work on coordinating all G20 aviation matters started a year ago through the collaborative efforts of the Aviation Forum, which included the Department of Transport, Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and the security agencies in the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS). 'I think it's very important, as we prepare for all of the leaders who will be arriving tomorrow, to clarify that we are expecting to have a continuous and stable power supply here at O.R. Tambo International Airport.
Creecy explained that backup generators at O.R. Tambo International Airport will ensure an uninterrupted power supply in case of power loss, maintaining critical terminal, airside, western precinct, and cargo activities. The contingency systems are designed to respond effectively, ensuring safety and operational continuity.
Creecy assured that these events have strengthened the airport's state of readiness. Systems have been reviewed and reinforced for operational resilience. The seamless integration and coordination of all airports nationwide have been ensured. Since 9 December 2024, the G20 Aviation Forum started coordinating aviation activities in support of all participating government departments and G20 working groups.
The forum successfully coordinated and facilitated G20 delegates across Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and private airports including O.R. Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, Polokwane International Airport, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, and Skukuza Airport.
As of May 2025, the G20 Aviation Forum comprises O.R. Tambo International Airport as a port of entry for the Leaders' Summit, Fireblade Terminal as a fixed base operator, and Lanseria International Airport and Waterkloof Air Base as ports of entry. These airports are supported by the Civil Aviation Authority, ATNS, South African Airways, and the Department of Transport.
Command centre operations at O.R. Tambo International Airport, Lanseria International Airport, and Waterkloof Air Base are now fully operational, maintaining uninterrupted operations and conducting briefings every morning and afternoon.
The ACSA and ATNS executed a comprehensive readiness process with real-time coordination across four airports, supported by a command-and-control centre to ensure seamless traffic flow and rapid tactical adjustments. Temporary airspace restrictions will apply on the 22nd and 23rd of November to ensure secure operations without disrupting commercial flights.
Creecy reassured that while heads of State will enter the country from tomorrow and leave from Sunday, there will be no disruptions in commercial flights. Scheduled commercial flights have been integrated into the overall plan to ensure ordinary citizens can travel without inconvenience. Jet fuel reserves of 54 million litres have been stockpiled to service all planes accompanying the heads of State.
Moreover, additional staff who normally work during the holiday season have been brought in to ensure seamless operations during the summit.