A fire at Cape Town International Airport on Tuesday caused widespread disruption to international and domestic flights, authorities said, though the blaze was quickly brought under control.
The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) said in a statement that as a precaution, international departures were temporarily suspended, while incoming flights from abroad were diverted to other airports.
Some domestic flights were also delayed, with airlines informing passengers of rescheduled departures and arrivals, officials said.
ACSA confirmed that the fire had been extinguished, and emergency services were working to ensure the terminal was safe before normal operations resumed.
Passengers at the airport reported queues and congestion at check-in counters as airlines scrambled to rebook travelers and adjust schedules.
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The cause of the fire was not immediately known. Authorities said an investigation would be launched to determine how it started and to prevent future incidents.
Cape Town International is South Africa’s second-busiest airport after Johannesburg’s O. R. Tambo International, handling millions of passengers annually and serving as a key hub for both domestic travel and flights to Europe, the Middle East and other African countries.
Flights affected included carriers operating to major European destinations as well as regional services within southern Africa.
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Airlines urged passengers to check flight statuses online and contact customer service for assistance, while advising travellers to allow extra time for processing as operations gradually returned to normal.
Officials said there were no reported injuries from the incident, and emergency protocols were executed swiftly to protect passengers and staff.
The disruption underscores the vulnerability of major transport hubs to unexpected incidents, even as airports continue to expand security and safety measures following previous operational disruptions.
Authorities said a full assessment of any damage to facilities would follow once the terminal was cleared and safety checks were completed.
Cape Town International Airport plays a critical role in South Africa’s tourism industry, particularly for visitors arriving to explore the Western Cape region, including Table Mountain, vineyards and coastal attractions.
Airlines and airport operators said they were working closely to restore schedules and minimise inconvenience, stressing that passengers’ safety remained the top priority.
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Investigators are expected to release a preliminary report in the coming days, with a focus on identifying the source of the fire and evaluating emergency response performance.
Travel experts noted that while such incidents are rare, temporary shutdowns at major airports can have ripple effects across the regional flight network, affecting connections in Johannesburg, Durban, and other hubs.
Passengers delayed by the fire were offered alternative flights where possible, and airlines coordinated with hotels and ground transportation providers to assist stranded travellers.
Authorities said they would review emergency procedures and update protocols if necessary, aiming to reduce the impact of similar events in the future.
For now, Cape Town International is expected to gradually resume normal operations as inspections conclude and safety is verified, allowing both international and domestic flights to continue with minimal disruption.
