An old story regarding flooding at OR Tambo International Airport in 2016 is currently circulating on social media.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has confirmed that the story is not linked to the recent heavy rainfall experienced on Friday afternoon, January 30, 2026.

In an official statement, ACSA said OR Tambo International Airport and the surrounding Kempton Park area experienced an extraordinary downpour, which temporarily overwhelmed the airport’s roof drainage system.

Old story: Flooding blocks entry to OR Tambo Int Airport

“This resulted in water ingress in certain areas of the terminal building,” said ACSA group spokesperson Ofentse Dijoe.

ACSA confirmed that airport operations were not affected.

“All passengers were processed as scheduled, and no flights were delayed.”

“A specialist contractor is currently assessing the roof structure and will provide airport management with a comprehensive report detailing the extent of the damage, as well as a repair timeline, by today, February 1,” said Dijoe.