Procedures for bad weather conditions were put in motion yesterday afternoon at ORTIA as a result of the heavy winds to ensure minimum impact on airport operations. No flights were delayed or diverted as result of the bad weather, however, three pieces of corrugated iron sheet blew off the multi-storey car park. No vehicles were damaged or persons injured as a result.
Also, 18 pieces of prefabricated acoustic ceiling panels fell off in the international hall because of the vibrations. The ceiling structure remained intact. Two SAA aircraft, the size of a Boeing 737, were slightly damaged when ground handling equipment was blown into the aircraft during the high winds.
Other standard precautionary measures were taken by pilots and air traffic control to ensure aircraft remained in safe operating conditions during flight. All areas affected by the storm have been repaired and operations continue unaffected at ORTIA.
