54 million litres of jet fuel in place as SA airports gear up for G20 leaders

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says South Africa’s aviation sector is fully prepared to welcome international visitors attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit this weekend, and that there is enough fuel to service all aircraft accompanying the heads of state.

OR Tambo International Airport, Waterkloof Air Force Base and Lanseria Airport will serve as entry points for the heads of state, who are expected to begin arriving on Thursday.

Creecy said that during a state-of-readiness media briefing in Ekurhuleni on Wednesday.

“It is my privilege to confirm that South Africa’s points of entry are ready to host the G20 Leaders’ Summit.”

The G20 Leaders’ Summit is set to be held at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, Gauteng, from November 22 to 23.

She said the aviation sector had completed all critical preparations to meet the rigorous standards expected for this historic event.

“Last year, exactly a year ago on November 19, the Airports Company South Africa CEO was tasked with coordinating all G20 aviation matters. Through the collaborative work of the Aviation Forum - which includes the Department of Transport, ATNS, SACA, South African Airways and security agencies within a NATJOINTS substructure called the Venue Operations Centre (VOC) - we have ensured seamless integration and coordination across all our airports nationwide.”

“As of December 9, 2024, the G20 Aviation Forum began coordinating aviation activities in support of all participating government departments within the G20, as well as all G20 working groups.”

Creecy said they had successfully supported the coordination and facilitation of G20 delegates across ACSA and private airports including OR Tambo International, King Shaka International, Cape Town International, Chief David Stuurman International, Polokwane International, Kruger Mpumalanga International and Skukuza Airport.

“The government of South Africa has recognised and approved three airports and one fixed-base operator as the main points of entry for heads of state and dignitaries ahead of the Leaders’ Summit.”

“As of May 2025, the G20 Aviation Forum comprises OR Tambo as a port of entry for the Leaders’ Summit; the Fireblade Terminal, a fixed-base operator facilitating heads of state; Lanseria International Airport; and Waterkloof Air Base.”

She said these airports are supported by the Civil Aviation Authority, Air Traffic Navigation Services, South African Airways - official airline carrier for the G20 - and the Department of Transport.

Creecy said a dry run was held on October 25, which demonstrated the readiness of all ports of entry and set a benchmark for operational excellence.

“The command centre and venue operations centres at OR Tambo International Airport, Fireblade Terminal, Lanseria International Airport and Waterkloof Air Base are now fully operational.”

These centres maintain uninterrupted operations, conducting daily briefings at 7a.m and 1p.m, with the flexibility to convene additional meetings if needed.

“The command centre is responsible for coordinating all functions across the ports of entry and designated aircraft parking airports, ensuring continuous and responsive operational presence.”

She said they expected stable power supply at OR Tambo International.

“Obviously, our main incoming supply is from the Ekurhuleni municipality through Eskom, but should power be lost, we have backup generators that take only a few seconds to activate. They will provide uninterrupted power to ensure that critical terminal, airside, western precinct and cargo activities continue without compromise.”

She said contingency systems function as designed, maintaining safety and operational continuity, and added that preparations for the event had further strengthened the airport’s state of readiness.

“Systems have been reviewed, assessed and reinforced for operational resilience. We can assure you that everything is also ready at Waterkloof Air Base, Fireblade and Lanseria.”

She said that with regard to air traffic navigation, ACSA and Air Traffic Navigation Services had executed a comprehensive readiness process and activated real-time coordination across the four airports, supported by the command and control centre to ensure seamless traffic flow and rapid tactical adjustments.

“Temporary airspace restrictions will apply from November 22 and 23, to ensure secure operations without disrupting commercial flights.”

“It is important to note that although we expect all heads of state to enter the country from tomorrow and depart from Sunday, we are not expecting disruptions to commercial flights. Scheduled commercial flights have been integrated into our overall plan to ensure that ordinary citizens who may be travelling are not inconvenienced.”

She said there was enough fuel to service all arriving aircraft.

“We have stockpiled the necessary jet fuel to service all planes accompanying the heads of state, with reserves of 54 million litres in place.”

Creecy said additional staff were on duty.

“Normally in the December period we have increased traffic, so we have brought in all additional seasonal staff to ensure readiness for this activity.”

She added that the South African Weather Service (SAWS) had issued an updated report indicating fine weather for the coming days, with rain moving towards the Eastern Cape and KZN.

“We are not expecting major flight disruptions between now and Sunday,” she said.

Meanwhile, ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu said G20 delegates would move through special channels separate from normal passengers after landing.

She said there were alternative routes to redirect and manage traffic flow, and facilitate the movement of special delegations and heads of state.

Mpofu said they had also planned for efficient movement of ordinary passengers in controlled areas.

“G20 delegates are being managed and directed to special transport arrangements. We are working with Gautrain and Level 2 e-hailers, and all these areas have operational plans to direct people and traffic safely and efficiently.”

Mpofu said they were aware of potential protest action.

“We are aware of possible South African labour-related protests. We have a straightforward process for directing people to our speakers’ corner, which is a designated, regulated space on the other side of the airport.”

“We also anticipate possible protests from other countries upon the arrival of certain presidents. The same standard operating procedures apply. This is strictly enforced because the airport is a national key point.”

Operation Dudula and other civic groups have announced plans to protest during the G20 Summit.

The movement’s leader Zandile Dabula said the action would be peaceful, within the law, and aimed at highlighting issues including poverty and unemployment. 

Advocacy group Women for Change is planning a nationwide shutdown on November 21, the day before the summit, to protest gender-based violence and call for it to be declared a national disaster.

Mpofu said other security measures had been implemented to monitor the airport environment, secure platforms, direct traffic, and ensure safe passage of convoys carrying heads of state and G20 delegates.

“The build-up period starts now. We build up until the last person has arrived, and we have another peak when they begin to depart from the 25th onwards.”

“We have two detailed operational plans for arrivals and departures to enable the safe passage of delegates and, most importantly, heads of state.”

IOL