A fire at Cape Town International Airport on Tuesday disrupted operations, leading to evacuations and flight delays. Officials extinguished the blaze quickly, and power returned fully by evening. However, recovery efforts continue, causing Cape Town Airport delays into Wednesday.

Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) confirmed no injuries occurred during the incident. Passengers now deal with manual check-ins and system constraints, which slow processing times.

Fire Incident Disrupts Operations

The fire started just after 11:00 on 24 February 2026 in the northern service yard of the international inner lane. Crews extinguished it shortly after, but smoke prompted evacuations in affected terminal sections. All passengers and staff left safely and calmly, according to Acsa.

Power isolation for safety checks halted international departures temporarily. Some arrivals diverted to other airports, while domestic flights saw minor issues from system outages. Acsa reported that the blaze likely involved IT cables, impacting network stability.

Advice for Affected Passengers

Acsa advises allowing extra time for check-in amid manual processes. Passengers must contact airlines directly for flight confirmations before heading to the airport. The Acsa app provides real-time updates on statuses.

If flights changed, airlines handle rebookings. Officials note that while most systems function, some delays could extend into the day. Acsa encourages following airline instructions to minimize inconvenience.

Broader Context for Cape Town Airport Delays

Cape Town Airport delays from this fire add to occasional disruptions at major hubs. Experts point out that quick extinguishing prevented worse outcomes. Tourism stakeholders worry about impacts on visitor perceptions, but officials assure safety remains top priority.

Recovery focuses on IT restoration to avoid further issues. Acsa plans additional updates as needed. Passengers report long queues, but calm prevails during the process.