The Economic Freedom Fighters has criticised the management of Cape Town International Airport following a fire that disrupted flights and airport systems this week.
In a statement dated 24 February 2026, the party said the incident exposed ongoing weaknesses in South Africa’s airport infrastructure.
What is happening?
According to the statement, a fire at Cape Town International Airport led to:
- Suspension of international departures
- Diversion of flights
- Disruptions to critical airport IT systems
The EFF said the fire has since been extinguished and passengers, staff and visitors were reported safe.
However, the party argued that the incident revealed poor maintenance and inadequate crisis preparedness at the airport.
Cape Town International Airport is classified as a National Key Point, meaning it is considered strategically important to South Africa’s economy and international connectivity.
Why it matters
Airports play a critical role in tourism, trade and economic activity. Therefore, disruptions at major hubs can affect airlines, businesses and travellers across the country.
The EFF linked the Cape Town fire to earlier operational challenges at major airports, including:
- A January 2025 power disruption and damaged cable at Cape Town International
- Fuel supply issues that affected operations at OR Tambo International Airport
- A previous Air Traffic Control system failure at OR Tambo that caused widespread delays and cancellations
The party said these incidents suggest a pattern of under-resourced infrastructure and insufficient oversight.
What you need to know
| Issue raised | Details from EFF statement |
|---|---|
| Fire impact | International departures suspended and flights diverted |
| Safety status | Fire extinguished; no reported injuries |
| Systems affected | Airport IT and network services disrupted |
| Previous disruptions | Power, fuel and ATC failures at major airports |
| Accountability demand | Ministers and airport authorities urged to explain failures |
The EFF has called for the Ministers of Transport and Trade, Industry and Competition to account for the incident and outline plans to stabilise airport infrastructure.
What you should do next
If you are travelling through Cape Town International Airport:
- Confirm your flight status with your airline
- Arrive early in case of operational delays
- Monitor official airport communication channels
Passengers affected by delays or diversions should contact their airlines directly for rebooking or accommodation arrangements.
