Home » AIRLINE NEWS » South Africa Faces Travel Setbacks as SunExpress, CemAir, South African Airlink, and Other Airlines Report 25 Flight Cancellations and Multiple Delays, Disrupting Major Airports in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Hoedspruit
Published on
January 15, 2026
South Africa is facing significant travel setbacks as SunExpress, CemAir, South African Airlink, and several other airlines report a combined total of 25 flight cancellations and numerous delays. These disruptions are severely affecting major airports in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Hoedspruit, leaving many passengers stranded and frustrated. The chaos began early this week, as airlines struggled with operational issues, leading to both delays and last-minute cancellations. South Africa’s travel infrastructure is now under pressure, with both domestic and international flights experiencing severe setbacks. Airlines like South African Airlink and CemAir have been hit hardest, causing significant delays at Johannesburg International and Cape Town International. Passengers have reported long wait times and confusion at airports. As the situation continues to unfold, travelers are urged to stay informed and check for updates regularly to avoid further inconvenience.
Affected Cities and Airports
The major cities and their respective airports in South Africa. Johannesburg, the country’s largest city, is home to OR Tambo International Airport, one of the busiest airports in Africa. Cape Town, located along the southern coast, is served by Cape Town International Airport, a key international gateway. Meanwhile, the smaller town of Hoedspruit, situated near the Kruger National Park, is served by the Air Force Base Hoedspruit, primarily catering to domestic flights and tourists visiting the nearby wildlife reserves. These three cities—Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Hoedspruit—are crucial hubs for both local and international travel within South Africa.
Flight CancellationsAirportAirlineCancelledDelayedOR Tambo Int’lSouth African Airlink519SunExpress23CemAir21South African Airways15Cape Town Int’lSouth African Airlink310CemAir10Air Force Base HoedspruitSouth African Airlink80CemAir30Affected Airlines
The airlines are key players in South Africa’s domestic air travel. South African Airlink is the most prominent, operating a significant number of flights across various destinations. SunExpress, a relatively smaller airline, also serves the region, though it faces higher cancellation and delay rates. CemAir, another domestic carrier, has a presence in the country, offering services to smaller airports, including those in remote areas. South African Airways, the national carrier, also appears in the table, contributing to both cancellations and delays, particularly affecting flights in major airports like OR Tambo. These airlines are vital for connecting cities and regions within South Africa, but recent disruptions have affected their reliability and caused travel setbacks.
Overview of Flight Cancellations
The notable flight cancellations across various South African airports, significantly impacting travelers. At OR Tambo International, South African Airlink reported 5 cancellations, which is the highest among the listed airlines, representing 2% of its flights. SunExpress had 2 cancellations, making up 15% of its flights. CemAir also saw 2 cancellations, which accounted for 6% of its total flights, while South African Airways experienced 1 cancellation, amounting to just 1% of its operations. Cape Town International Airport had 3 cancellations from South African Airlink, which is 5% of its flights, and 1 cancellation from CemAir (7% of its flights). In Hoedspruit, South African Airlink had 8 cancellations, a significant 80% of its flights, while CemAir had 3 cancellations, totaling 75% of its flights. These cancellations have led to major disruptions across key airports, affecting passengers’ travel plans.
What to Do if Your Flight Gets Cancelled: A Quick Guide
Flight cancellations can be frustrating, but knowing the right steps to take can help minimize stress. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself in this situation:
Stay Updated
Monitor your email, phone, and the airline’s app for rebooking confirmation or further announcements.
Stay Calm and Check for Updates
As soon as you learn your flight is canceled, stay calm and check for updates. Many airlines will notify you via text, email, or their app. Visit the airline’s website for real-time updates on the situation.
Contact the Airline
Reach out to the airline’s customer service either in person at the airport or over the phone. If you’re at the airport, head to the service desk. If you’re not, try calling or using the airline’s online chat system to avoid waiting in long queues.
Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with the airline’s policies regarding cancellations. Many airlines offer rebooking options or compensation, especially if the cancellation is within their control. In the EU, for example, passengers are entitled to compensation under certain conditions.
Consider Alternative Flights
Ask the airline about the next available flight. If you can’t find a suitable option, consider booking a new flight through another airline, or check for other forms of transport like trains or buses.
The flight cancellations and delays across South Africa have caused significant disruptions at major airports in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Hoedspruit. Airlines such as South African Airlink, SunExpress, CemAir, and South African Airways have all been impacted, with South African Airlink experiencing the highest number of cancellations. These travel setbacks have left many passengers frustrated and stranded, highlighting the challenges airlines face in maintaining operations. Travelers are advised to stay updated on their flight statuses to minimize inconvenience during this turbulent period in South Africa’s aviation sector.
Source: FlightAware and affected airports
