E-gates will be introduced at OR Tambo International Airport as part of its new technology systems roll-out, according to the airport’s GM, Jabulani Khambule.

The gates have biometric scanners that will allow South African passport holders to be processed through immigration without visiting an immigration officer. This will provide several benefits such as increased processing rate at immigration and reduced waiting times.

However, no specific date has been given for the E-gates’ execution, only that it will follow their implementation at Cape Town International Airport.

The new technology roll-out at OR Tambo includes the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS), which operates in conjunction with the South African Revenue Service.

SATMS first came into effect at King Shaka International Airport in November last year, and has since been introduced at Cape Town International Airport in February.

“SATMS is a web-based application that enables travellers entering and leaving the country to pre-declare goods purchased, received or otherwise acquired, and pay applicable taxes. This is part of Sars’ efforts to strengthen its controls to detect and deter illicit financial flows. Sars plans to implement this new system at all points of entry within the coming year, following the completion of a successful pilot project at King Shaka International Airport,” said Khambule.

New airlines

Khambule said a number of airlines would start flights into and out of Johannesburg this year, including Air Algérie and Eswatini Air, which started operating scheduled flights this month.

He also mentioned FlySafair’s new route between Johannesburg and Zanzibar commencing April 1, while LATAM Airlines will start scheduled flights between Johannesburg and São Paulo in September.

Additionally, Cathay Pacific is expected to resume flights between Johannesburg and Hong Kong in August this year.

Last year also saw Air Belgium starting services between Johannesburg and Brussels in September, while Air Côte d’Ivoire commenced operations in July with flights between Johannesburg and Abidjan via Kinshasa, and Condor started flights between Johannesburg and Frankfurt in November.

In addition, South African Airways added four new routes in December last year from Johannesburg, to Windhoek and Victoria Falls, as well as to Lilongwe and Blantyre in Malawi.

“We are always pleased to welcome new airlines to OR Tambo International Airport, as new carriers spell good news for South Africa, as well as the Southern African region. As the main transport hub and gateway into Africa, OR Tambo not only provides airlines with world-class and secure infrastructure, but we also play a pivotal role in promoting tourism, economic growth and job creation,” said Khambule.

Currently, OR Tambo handles 46 operating airlines – three regional, five domestic and 38 international carriers.