How the Middle East escalation is affecting flights to and from Southern Africa (Updated: 28 February 2026)

last update 01 March 2026 

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed earlier today that the current closure of UAE airspace is affecting flights operated by Emirates and Qatar Airways thus far.
Current Flight Disruptions:
• O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB): 8 cancellations (7 outbound and 1 inbound).
• Cape Town International Airport  (CPT): 4 cancellations (outbound).
• King Shaka International Airport  (DUR): 2 cancellations (outbound).

Passengers are strongly advised to contact their airlines or relevant embassies directly for the latest flight schedules and status updates. 

last update 01 March 2026  

Since yesterday, the situation hasn’t eased; in fact, ongoing airspace closures and the responses to Iran’s involvement are continuing to disrupt flights in and out of South Africa and Southern Africa, especially services via Gulf hubs like Dubai and Doha. The disruptions remain significant, with more cancellations and reroutes likely while the regional conflict and related airspace restrictions are unresolved. 

last update 28 February 2026 

The renewed escalation in the Middle East, including US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has disrupted international aviation - forcing airspace closures and triggering flight cancellations and reroutes across the region and beyond. Iran’s retaliatory strikes and the resulting rise in regional military activity are also contributing to the heightened security environment, further impacting airline operations and flight planning across the Middle East. While Southern African airspace remains fully open and unaffected, travellers flying internationally can still experience significant impacts due to changes in global airline operations.

Here is what you need to know.  

What is happening in the Middle East?

Escalating tensions have led to temporary airspace closures and operational restrictions across parts of the Gulf and surrounding region.

Airlines and regulators have responded by:

• Suspending selected routes
• Cancelling flights to affected destinations
• Rerouting aircraft to avoid restricted airspace
• Issuing updated travel advisories

The Middle East sits at the crossroads of major global air corridors linking Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. When parts of that system are disrupted, airlines must adjust flight plans worldwide.

Why this matters for travellers in Southern Africa

Many long-haul routes between  Southern Africa, and South Africa in particular, Europe and Asia connect through major Gulf hubs such as:

• Dubai International Airport (DXB) in Dubai, UAE
• Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar
• Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi, UAE

When disruptions occur in or around these hubs, even travellers departing from Johannesburg, Cape Town (South Africa), Windhoek (Namibia), Lusaka (Zambia) or Maputo (Mozambique) can be affected.

Importantly:

• Airports and airspace across Southern Africa are operating normally.
• The disruption is indirect and linked to international transit routes.

Possible Travel Impacts

If your itinerary includes a Middle Eastern connection, you may encounter:

Flight Cancellations or Schedule Changes
Some services through Gulf hubs have been paused or adjusted while airlines assess safety and routing options.

Longer Flight Times
Aircraft may take alternative paths to avoid restricted airspace, increasing journey times.

Tighter Connections
Network disruptions at major hubs can create reduced onward connectivity or rebooking delays.

Potential Cost Pressures
Longer routings increase fuel and insurance costs, which may gradually influence pricing on some routes.  

What travellers should do

If you have upcoming international travel:

• Check your flight status regularly. Schedules are being updated dynamically.
• Confirm your connection details. Especially if transiting through the Gulf region.
• Allow extra transfer time.
• Contact your airline early if rebooking is required.
• Review your travel insurance coverage.

Flexibility is key during periods of geopolitical instability affecting global air corridors.

 

The bottom line

Southern Africa’s skies remain fully open. However, the latest Middle East escalation - particularly involving Iran - is impacting global aviation flows that many Southern African travellers rely on for international connections.

Travel remains possible, but routing adjustments, longer flight times and occasional cancellations are part of the current operating environment.

Stay informed, monitor airline updates closely, and plan with a degree of flexibility if travelling via the Gulf region in the coming days.

 

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Durban Beach Water Quality Update (27 February 2026): 20 beaches open for swimming

The eThekwini Municipality has released its latest coastal water quality results (27 February 2026), providing essential guidance for travellers planning beach time in Durban.

The newest data confirms that 20 of Durban's 23 regularly monitored bathing beaches currently comply with national recreational water safety standards. This means swimming, surfing and general beach activities are permitted along most of the city’s coastline. However, three beaches remain temporarily closed as a precaution while water quality concerns are addressed.

For visitors, the message is clear: Durban's beaches are largely open — but checking the latest official updates before you swim remains critical.

What the latest Durban water quality results mean for travellers

With its warm Indian Ocean waters, expansive sandy shoreline and year-round subtropical climate, Durban remains one of South Africa’s premier coastal destinations. Water quality, however, is influenced by environmental factors such as rainfall, runoff and ocean currents.

The number of open or closed beaches can change quickly depending on testing outcomes. Travellers should therefore:

• Consult official municipal updates before heading out
• Prioritise beaches with active lifeguard services
• Exercise caution following heavy rainfall

Swimming and surfing are currently permitted at designated open beaches, subject to ongoing monitoring.

How coastal water quality is monitored in Durban

The eThekwini Municipality operates a continuous coastal monitoring programme aimed at protecting public health and ensuring transparency. The programme includes:

• Routine seawater sampling at official bathing beaches
• Accredited laboratory microbiological testing
• Public release of verified results

Testing focuses on compliance with national recreational water quality guidelines. While most beaches in Durban currently meet required thresholds, monitoring remains ongoing and dynamic.

Beaches currently open for swimming in Durban

The following 20 beaches are currently considered safe for recreational swimming (subject to continued testing):

1. Point Beach
2. uMgababa
3. uShaka
4. Bay of Plenty
5. Wedge Beach
6. Brighton
7. Winklespruit
8. Westbrook
9. mDloti Main
10. Anstey’s Beach
11. Pipeline Beach
12. Toti Main Beach
13. uMhlanga Main
14. Bronze Beach
15. Laguna Beach
16. Thekwini Beach
17. Addington
18. South Beach
19. Country Club
20. Reunion

Lifeguards are on duty daily from 06:00 to 18:30 at these beaches, making them the safest option for families and casual swimmers.

Beaches temporarily closed

The following beaches remain closed as a precaution due to water quality concerns:

1. Doonside Beach
2. Battery Beach
3. North Beach

Closures will remain in place until testing confirms full compliance with safety standards.

Prefer guaranteed swimming conditions? Consider municipal pools

For travellers seeking more predictable swimming conditions, Durban offers approximately 40 municipal public swimming pools. These facilities are regularly maintained, monitored and supervised by lifeguards - a particularly reliable alternative for families travelling with young children.

Safety advice for beach visitors

Coastal water conditions can change rapidly, especially after heavy rainfall. To reduce health risks:

• Swim only at lifeguarded beaches
• Obey official signage and municipal advisories
• Avoid entering the ocean for 24–48 hours after heavy rain

Traveller Takeaway

The latest results confirm that the majority of Durban's bathing beaches are open and compliant with national safety standards. However, the temporary closure of three beaches underscores the importance of consulting up-to-date municipal guidance before planning a beach outing.

Durban's coastline remains accessible and inviting — provided visitors stay informed and choose their swimming locations carefully.

 

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South Africa’s airports shine at the 2025 ASQ Customer Experience Awards

South Africa’s leading airports have earned global recognition in the 2025 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Customer Experience Awards, presented by Airports Council International (ACI) World.

The ASQ Awards are widely regarded as the aviation industry’s most credible benchmark for airport performance because they are based entirely on real-time passenger surveys conducted at airports worldwide. In 2025, nearly 700,000 travellers participated - making this the largest ASQ awards cycle to date.

For travellers flying to, from or within South Africa, the results confirm what many already experience: the country’s airports continue to deliver high service standards across multiple categories.

Overall recognition - Best Airports in Africa at departures

South African airports performed strongly in their respective passenger-size categories, earning recognition for overall customer satisfaction at departure.

Airports handling fewer than 2 million passengers per year

• Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN) in Bloemfontein
• Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth
• Upington Airport (UTN) in Upington

Airports handling 5 to 15 million passengers per year (Africa region)

• Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town

Cape Town International Airport’s win in the competitive 5–15 million passengers category positions it among Africa’s top-performing mid-sized hubs for overall departure satisfaction.

Category Awards: Where South Africa stood out

Beyond overall satisfaction, South African airports also claimed awards in specialised customer experience categories:

Best Airports in Africa: Most Dedicated Staff

• Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth

Passengers highlighted the professionalism, friendliness and proactive assistance provided by frontline airport staff.

Best Airports in Africa: Easiest Airport Journey

• Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town
• Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth 

Efficient passenger flow, clear wayfinding, streamlined security processes and intuitive terminal layouts contributed to a seamless travel experience.

Best Airports in Africa: Most Enjoyable Airport Experience

• Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town
• King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban

From retail offerings and dining to terminal ambience and comfort, these airports delivered a positive and engaging passenger environment.

Best Airports in Africa: Cleanest Airport

• Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town

Cleanliness remains one of the strongest predictors of passenger satisfaction - and Cape Town again set the benchmark in its category.

Why the ASQ awards matter

The ASQ programme is the only global airport benchmarking system that measures customer satisfaction through live, departure-gate surveys. Unlike awards based on nominations or expert panels, ASQ scores are derived directly from passengers’ immediate travel experiences.

For airlines, route planners and tourism stakeholders, strong ASQ performance signals:

• Operational efficiency
• Service reliability
• Passenger-friendly infrastructure
• Positive brand perception
• For travellers, it translates into:
• Shorter queues
• Smoother transfers
• Cleaner facilities
• Friendlier interactions
• A more relaxed overall journey

What this means for travel in South Africa

As international travel continues to grow and competition among regional hubs intensifies, South Africa’s airport network has demonstrated that it can deliver world-class passenger experiences across both major gateways and regional airports.

Cape Town International Airport’s multi-category success reinforces its status as one of Africa’s leading mid-sized airports, while smaller facilities such as Bram Fischer International Airport,  Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, and Upington Airport prove that excellent service is not limited to high-volume hubs.

For anyone planning travel to South Africa - whether for business, leisure or safari connections - these awards provide additional reassurance that the airport experience is designed around passenger satisfaction.

 

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Travelling through CPT? Here’s what you need to know after the 24 Feb airport fire

last updated 27 February 2026

ACSA released an official press statement last night. According to the release, all domestic and international check-in systems, along with Border Management Authority (BMA) and Customs services, are fully automated and functional.  International arrivals will continue to use an alternate "Meeters & Greeters" route on the ground floor of the International Inner Lane while a final safety assessment of the terminal is being completed. The baggage processing is currently being managed manually. ACSA's maintenance teams are working 24/7 to restore automated service to this area. Temporary accommodations are being arranged for airport partners whose facilities have been impacted by the incident.  

last updated 26 February 2026 

Following the fire at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town on 24 February 2026, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has confirmed that all check-in counters are now fully operational.

The fire, which broke out in a technical area near the airport’s main check-in concourse, caused temporary disruptions to several operational systems and delayed passenger processing. No injuries were reported, and emergency teams acted swiftly to contain the blaze, allowing a rapid recovery of essential airport functions.

While the Cape Town International Airport (CPT) has resumed normal services, passengers are advised to allow extra time for check-in and security procedures. For the latest flight updates, travellers should check directly with their airline or via the ACSA Mobile App. Visitors collecting international passengers are encouraged to follow on-site signage and official airport communications to ensure smooth access to the terminals.

 

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|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park update: Sendelingsdrift pontoon ferry closed!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has temporarily closed the pontoon at the Sendelingsdrift pontoon at the Sendelingsdrift border post in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park due to high water levels in the Orange River. Visitors planning to enter the park are advised to use the Alexander Bay gravel road as an alternative route to reach Sendelingsdrift. 

The Sendelingsdrift border post is a vital gateway to the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, a remote and rugged wilderness straddling the South Africa - Namibia border. Known for its dramatic desert landscapes, unique flora, and panoramic scenery, the park attracts adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

The pontoon ferry at Sendelingsdrift offers an adventurous and scenic way to cross the Orange River, but its operation is water-level dependent. Currently, extreme conditions have necessitated its closure.

Travellers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time. For those seeking adventure in one of Southern Africa’s most striking desert landscapes, the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park remains accessible via alternative routes.

 

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FlyNamibia boosts Windhoek–Victoria Falls and Maun services from April 2026

FlyNamibia will significantly expand its regional network from April 2026, strengthening air connectivity between Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe and improving access to some of Southern Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations.

The airline will double its Windhoek–Victoria Falls service, increasing frequencies from three to six flights per week. In addition, the Windhoek–Maun–Katima Mulilo route will operate four times weekly - on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Windhoek – Victoria Falls: More Access to an Iconic Destination

The enhanced service to Victoria Falls provides greater flexibility for travellers visiting one of Africa’s most iconic natural attractions, the Victoria Falls.

For leisure travellers, tour operators, and safari planners, the additional frequencies allow smoother itinerary planning, easier short-stay combinations, and improved onward connections across the region.

Strengthening the Namibia–Botswana–Zimbabwe Safari Corridor

The expanded Windhoek–Maun–Katima Mulilo rotation strengthens links between:

• Windhoek – Namibia’s primary international gateway
• Maun – gateway to the Okavango Delta
• Katima Mulilo – strategic hub in the Zambezi Region

Maun serves as the aviation hub for access to the Okavango Delta, while Katima Mulilo plays a key role in connecting Namibia's Zambezi Region with northern Botswana and southern Zambia.

By increasing frequencies, FlyNamibia is reinforcing cross-border tourism flows and supporting multi-country safari itineraries - particularly popular with European and regional travellers seeking seamless air access rather than long overland transfers.

What This Means for Travellers

The route expansion delivers:

• Greater schedule flexibility
• Improved safari circuit connectivity
• Enhanced weekend and short-break options
• Stronger regional integration within the Kavango-Zambezi tourism zone

For self-drive travellers, fly-in safari guests, and regional leisure passengers alike, the additional capacity represents a practical upgrade in accessibility across Southern Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. 

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >> 

 

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Kazungula One Stop Border Post now open 24 hours: What travellers between Botswana and Zambia need to know

Cross-border travel between Botswana and Zambia at the Kazungula crossing on the Zambezi River is set to become significantly smoother following confirmation that the Kazungula One Stop Border Post (OSBP) now operates 24 hours a day.

Speaking at the joint launch of the Kazungula Bridge Authority (KBA) on 24 February 2026, Botswana's President Duma Boko said the decision followed engagements with his Zambian counterpart, Hakainde Hichilema.

The 24-hour operation applies to both passenger and commercial traffic, improving flexibility for private vehicles, tour operators, overlanders and freight transporters using one of Southern Africa’s most strategic transport corridors.

What this means for travellers

The Kazungula border crossing forms a critical link between Botswana and Zambia, connecting key tourism hubs such as Chobe, Victoria Falls, Livingstone, and the wider Kavango–Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area.

Round-the-clock operations mean:

• Reduced congestion during peak safari and holiday seasons
• Improved freight movement along the North–South Corridor
• Greater flexibility for self-drive travellers and tour operators
• Shorter waiting times compared to the former Kazungula ferry, which was often affected by congestion and limited operating hours

For road trippers planning multi-country itineraries across Southern Africa - especially families and convoy travellers - the extended operating hours provide improved itinerary reliability and safer scheduling on long-distance travel days.

About the Kazungula Bridge and Border Post

The Kazungula Bridge spans the Zambezi River and replaced the former ferry crossing, creating a permanent road and rail link between the two countries. It is widely regarded as one of Southern Africa’s most important recent infrastructure projects.

Importantly, the bridge also sits near the historic quadripoint where Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia meet - making it strategically significant not only for bilateral travel, but for regional trade, tourism flows and connectivity across four countries.

The integrated One Stop Border Post houses immigration and customs officials from both countries within a single facility. Travellers complete clearance in one consolidated process, reducing duplication, improving processing times and streamlining vehicle documentation checks.

With 24-hour operations now in place, the Kazungula border crossing becomes a more reliable and flexible gateway for travellers moving between Chobe, Victoria Falls and Zambia's leading safari regions.

 

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