Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi has commended the swift response of the Airport Company South Africa (ACSA) and South Africa Police Service (SAPS) after the unattended bag incident at the terminal building of OR Tambo International Airport.
“We are grateful for the calm and selfless conduct by passengers when ACSA officials and law enforcement agencies asked for their cooperation during the security evacuation procedure,” Minister Maswanganyi said in a statement on Tuesday.
The bag was left unattended at the airport on Monday.
The Minister also expressed his gratitude to the airlines speedy resumption of their scheduled flight operations to minimise the impact of the inconvenience.
He has apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers and all parties involved.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) ranks the South Africa civil aviation sector as efficient, secure, economically sustainable and environmentally responsible.
“South Africa’s aviation safety has been placed at position one in Africa, and 33 globally by the ICAO. Our audit results have risen from 83.83% to 86.71%,” Minister Maswanganyi said.
Law enforcement agencies are yet to conclude their investigation into the incident, including the identification of the owner of the unattended bag. – SAnews.gov.za
