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The South African Airports Company (Acsa) has welcomed the country’s move towards a lockdown level and says it is prepared for the gradual lifting of restrictions on international flights, but warned that passengers will have to overcome additional hurdles if they plan to travel.
Addressing the nation On Wednesday night (September 16), President Cyril Ramaphosa said the government will gradually ease restrictions on international travel for business and pleasure starting October 1, subject to certain containment measures.
International travel will only be permitted through the main border ports or through OR Tambo International, Cape Town International or King Shaka International.
Acsa said that it is still awaiting official regulations and directives from the Department of Transportation to be published in the coming days.
However, he reiterated President Cyril Ramaphosa’s comments and cautioned that travelers must be absolutely sure of their eligibility to fly and that they are in possession of valid visas to enter or re-enter South Africa before booking flights.
He added that the following requirements must be met:
- Upon arrival, travelers must present a negative Covid-19 test result that is no more than 72 hours from the time of departure;
- All travelers will be screened upon arrival and those with symptoms must undergo the Covid-19 test; and
- When necessary, travelers must enter mandatory quarantine facilities at their own cost.
“People wishing to travel across borders should monitor our ACSA website for airports and airlines operating during Tier 1 and airline websites to see flight availability,” he said.
“We expect the number of international passengers to grow gradually, as this is an important step on the road to recovery. We look forward to welcoming international visitors once again at our international airports and in South Africa. ”
The list
The list of countries that will be allowed to take international travel will likely be limited when travel restarts on October 1. Ramaphosa said the list of allowed countries will be published at a later date and the country will be selected based on the latest scientific data.
While not mentioned in his speech, reports indicate that the trips will likely focus on regional travel, including neighboring countries and parts of Africa.
The Minister of Tourism, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, has indicated that her department is focusing on creating a ‘regional travel bubble’.
“Our next step is to work towards reopening international travel,” he said at a press conference on September 4. “We are monitoring the risk of spreading the virus and are satisfied with the current downward trend of new infections, if they continue, they may accelerate the reopening of regional borders soon.
In this way, through regional coordination with our regional partners, we could create a regional travel bubble, he said.
“African land markets form the basis of tourism in South Africa. This region alone accounts for 71% of international arrivals. This would give a new impetus to the recovery efforts of the sector ”.
“Increasing domestic tourism coupled with regional travel will help us build trust for global travelers so that when we finally open all borders, we can attract travelers as a safe destination.”
How will it be to fly
The government already has strict rules in force for domestic travel, with clear regulations for both airports and airlines.
Passengers can enter the terminal buildings and a temperature check will be conducted at the entrances of the terminal building before any passenger is allowed entry. Passengers will not be allowed inside the terminal buildings without masks.
All airports have markings on the ground for social distancing of 1.5 meters. This will apply at check-in counters, security controls and airport waiting rooms.
All airline check-in agents will wear face shields and counters will be installed with protective screens. Check-in counters will also be sanitized frequently.
The registration process is as follows:
- Passengers must check-in online before going to the airport;
- Online check-in can be done on the screens in the terminal building;
- A limited number of check-in counters will open and physical distance rules will apply in these queues;
- Using a check-in counter will take longer.
The security control process is as follows:
- Passengers will scan their own boarding pass on paper or on a mobile device to the scanner at the security checkpoint;
- Passengers must remove any metallic or electronic item from their person before entering the security line;
- These items must be placed on the security scanner tray;
- This process will minimize the need for security officers to conduct physical searches at the checkpoint.
The boarding process is as follows:
- Physical distancing rules apply to queues to board an airplane;
- Passengers must scan their own boarding pass at the boarding gate;
- Boarding will be carried out in a controlled manner, with passengers traveling in the rear seats of the plane boarding first. Passengers with tickets for Row A, for example, will board last;
- Masks must be worn for the duration of the flight.
The following measures will be applied inside the aircraft cabin:
- Catering will not be allowed:
- There are no magazines on board;
- The last row will be reserved for the isolation of suspected cases.
- All aircraft must be disinfected before entering service and after each flight.
The disembarkation process will be as follows:
- Masks should continue to be worn when disembarking and moving towards the baggage conveyor belts;
- Rules of physical distancing will be applied on baggage conveyor belts;
- Crowding near the baggage conveyor belts will not be allowed.
Read: More Airports Open for Travel to South Africa
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