Familiar with operating to OR Tambo? Here is the operational info for Johannesburg – and the African continent’s – busiest airport.

MRO Africa 2017 – the 26th African aviation conference – take place at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg, South Africa, this March 13-15. Hundreds of industry stakeholders will gather to discuss regional industry issues and do business. Here’s what you need to know to plan a mission to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo.

OR Tambo International Airport

IATA code: ZAF
ICAO code: FAOR
S 26° 08.0′ E 28° 14.5′
Marginal variation: 16.8°W
Elevation: 5558′
Fuel: Jet A-1
Time zone: GMT+2:00 no DST

Operational Information

Overflight and landing permits are required for private and non-scheduled commercial flights
Request permits in advance to obtain approval from the Aviation Authorities
The lead time for foreign operators is seven working days, whereas landing permits for local operators take two to three days to process
Slot approval must be requested by an agent in advance in order to secure desired slots
Peak hours at FAOR are from 6am-9am and 6pm-10pm local time
Delay during this days will be subject to traffic against scheduled arrivals and departures
Parking is subject to availability
Aircraft are not allowed to park for more than 14 hours.
Alternative parking bays can be arranged through your handler if more time is required
There are no significant NOTAMs at this time

South African Immigration

Passengers

A passport and visa are required
Passports and passport replacing documents of all non-South African nationals must contain at least 1 unused visa page for South African Immigration Service
Extension of stay for additional 90 days is possible but must be applied for at least 60 days prior to the expiry date of the visa or visa exempt period
Visitors are required to hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay, as well as return/onward tickets to prove their next destination
Visitors without a return or onward ticket will be required to pay a refundable deposit in lieu of a ticket (passengers failing to do so will be refused entry)

Crew

A passport is required
A General Declaration and Crew Members license or Crew Member Certificate are required for international scheduled flights
The same regulations as for normal passengers apply for charters and private flights
Passports and passport replacing documents of all non-South African nationals must contain at least 1 unused visa page for South African Immigration Service

Baggage Clearance

Baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry in South Africa.

The baggage of transit passengers with destinations outside of South Africa are exempt, provided the passenger doesn’t leave the transit area.

Airport Embarkation Tax

No airport tax is levied on passengers.

Currency

The local currency is South African Rand-ZAR
Passengers are allowed unlimited amount in foreign currencies and traveler’s checks: however, amounts over USD 10,000 must be declared on arrival

Transport

Johannesburg is well serviced by taxis – most have fixed fares instead of meters
Fares generally start at around 32 R. Expect to pay an average of 12 R for every kilometer after that
Car rental is a popular option for visitors and there are many rental companies in Johannesburg
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Bus Service is the city’s official bus service – see http://www.mbus.co.za

Accommodation

InterContinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport
Protea Hotel Transit OR Tambo Airport
City Lodge at OR Tambo Airport
Protea Hotel OR Tambo Airport

For more information or support with your Flight Operations to OR Tambo, contact UAS Africa headquarters in Johannesburg