Strikes cause flight delays in Durban

2012-03-07 11:56

Johannesburg - The Airports Company of SA (Acsa) asked travellers to arrive early for their flights on Wednesday as the effect of Cosatu's nationwide anti-toll and labour broking protests took hold with flight delays in Durban.

"The company that supplies the fuel, Sky Tanking, has advised that its employees did not report for work on time as a result of the planned national strike by Cosatu," Acsa said of the delays at King Shaka International Airport.

Acsa asked passengers to arrive early - two and four hours before scheduled departure times for domestic and international flights respectively.

The situation was improving as Sky Tanking and Acsa helped get staff to work, but passengers could expect delays throughout the day on flights at that airport.

Metrorail said it had a slight reduction in services in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, with "worrying" reports of protesters assaulting and intimidating commuters in the Leralla corridor and Kaalfontein areas.

Metrorail asks police for protection

"Incidents were reported at Elandsfontein, Kempton Park, Leralla, and Kaalfontein," Metrorail said.

Services on the Leralla line were temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure. Metrorail had asked the police to help protect commuters and their trains.

The company asked commuters who experienced intimidation or violence to report it on 0800-127-070.

Metrobus in Johannesburg asked that commuters make alternative transport arrangements on Wednesday because it seemed some drivers had joined the strike.

In an apology to commuters, they asked that their call centre 011-375-5555, option six, be called for further queries.

The SA National Taxi Council's general secretary Philip Taaibosch said they had made it clear drivers should not be penalised if they decided to participate in their personal capacity.

Taxis and other forms of registered public transport are exempt from paying toll fees.

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