Airports Company South Africa will take action after a passenger left O.R. Tambo Airport with two training grenades, exposing a major security breach.
The items were detected at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during a reverse baggage screening process. Ethiopian Airlines alerted ACSA in line with international aviation protocols. ACSA subsequently informed the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), in accordance with national procedures.
The breach occurred in the Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) area, which is managed by Aviation Coordination Services (ACS), a third-party operator governed by the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) and the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA). ACS has claimed that the responsibility for screening rests with the airlines.
However, ACSA, supported by SACAA, has disputed this claim, asserting its responsibility as the licensed aerodrome operator to conduct HBS services on behalf of the State. ACSA has decided to terminate ACS’s services, citing the absence of a legal contract and non-compliance with public procurement legislation.
ACS has admitted liability for the incident and has reportedly initiated disciplinary measures against the employee involved in the breach.
ACSA has reaffirmed its commitment to airport safety and regulatory compliance and will continue to work with SACAA and all relevant stakeholders to prevent similar incidents in the future.
