Johannesburg G20: Expect Airport Delays Nov 21-23

Published on Nov 6, 2025, 1:33 pm CST

5 min read

Key points

G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg on November 21-23 will drive temporary airspace restrictions and security cordons
Authorities already executed dry-run closures on key routes linking O. R. Tambo, Lanseria, Sandton, Waterkloof, and Nasrec
Business aviation briefs flag mandatory slot coordination and Temporary Restricted Airspace in the Johannesburg FIR
Government notices indicate road closures around the Nasrec precinct from November 17-23
Travelers should allow longer curb-to-gate times and reconfirm parking, drop-offs, and flight retimings during the summit window

Impact

Airspace Controls: Watch for Temporary Restricted Airspace activations and operator slot requirements
Ground Access: Plan detours and arrive earlier due to rolling road closures and checkpoint slowdowns
Airline Operations: Monitor carrier emails and apps for schedule tweaks and check-in time changes
Airport Choice: Consider which airport, O. R. Tambo or Lanseria, offers the most reliable access for your route
Private Flights: Coordinate early with handlers for slots, permits, and parking constraints

South Africa will host the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg from November 21-23, 2025. Travelers should expect security cordons, traffic diversions, and NOTAM-driven airspace measures that affect access to O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and Lanseria International Airport (HLA). Authorities have already run live "dry-run" traffic operations on major arteries, and business-aviation guidance points to temporary restricted airspace and slot coordination. Build extra time into every segment, reconfirm flights and ground transport, and keep plans flexible as the summit window approaches.

What changed and who is affected

The summit dates are set for November 21-23, with government and organizer channels confirming closures around the Nasrec precinct, the summit venue, and feeder routes in the lead-up week. That footprint touches corridors used to reach both airports, including links to Sandton and Waterkloof Air Force Base for state movements. Anyone flying into or out of Johannesburg during November 17-23 faces slower road access, occasional detours, and tighter airport security posture, especially near terminals, cargo roads, and VIP facilities.

Likely airspace and airport measures

Business-aviation operators have been briefed to expect a Temporary Restricted Airspace over the Johannesburg Flight Information Region, with slot coordination layered on top. Universal Weather's operational guide, published October 28, outlines TRA activation periods tied to VIP movements and recommends early coordination for FAOR and FALA, plus contingency parking and handling plans. South Africa's Civil Aviation Authority notes that NOTAM summaries are posted and updated, with full details available via the national briefing office; travelers should rely on their airline or operator to translate each activation into day-of impacts.

At the terminals, expect standard security screening plus ad-hoc checks near kerbs and service roads. Airports Company South Africa has already run an integrated "dry-run" at O. R. Tambo with temporary partial closures on Cargo Road and restricted facility access, a useful indicator of how the operating posture may look around the main summit window.

Ground access and diversions

Road closures executed during dry-run operations affected multiple Gauteng corridors, including the N1, N3, N12, M1, R21, R24, and R512, which are precisely the routes travelers use to reach O. R. Tambo and Lanseria. Authorities have warned of intermittent closures and lane restrictions rather than full-day shutdowns, but delays of an hour or more are possible during moving security operations. Around Nasrec, organizers and government accounts have flagged a rolling closure footprint from November 17-23, overlapping with arrivals and departures of delegations. If you are using taxis, ride-hail, or hotel shuttles, plan alternate pick-up points and expect reroutes.

Practical timing

For flights between November 17-23, plan to reach O. R. Tambo at least 3 hours before departure for domestic flights and 4 hours for international flights, both in South Africa Standard Time, SAST, on first mention, then follow airline guidance. At Lanseria, leave additional buffer if your route normally uses the R512 or N14 corridors that saw closures during the drills. If you are connecting between Johannesburg and Pretoria, consider Gautrain segments where practical to bypass road bottlenecks, then use approved airport shuttles.

Latest developments

State broadcaster and provincial officials continue to signal readiness for the summit, including air-traffic management capacity and coordinated policing operations across Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane. The end result for travelers is not a blanket shutdown, but a higher likelihood of rolling holds and retimings, especially during VIP motorcades and arrival banks. Watch airline apps for earlier check-in cutoffs or adjusted boarding times.

Background: How security cordons and TRAs work

During events that involve heads of state, authorities publish NOTAMs that activate Temporary Restricted Airspace. Within these windows, flights may be sequenced, rerouted, or held, and certain approaches or altitudes may be unavailable. On the ground, security services establish hard and soft road closures, redirecting traffic to protect motorcades and perimeters. In practice, that means your ride may take unfamiliar surface streets or be held at on-ramps, even if your flight shows "on time." Airlines usually absorb short TRA holds into block times, but they can also retime flights or swap aircraft. Private and charter flights face the strictest planning rules, including advance permits, slots, and parking confirmations, which is why handlers are urging early coordination.

Final thoughts

Johannesburg's G20 is a high-impact security event across a concentrated, long weekend. If you are flying via O. R. Tambo or Lanseria between November 17-23, build in buffer time, verify ground routing, and keep an eye on airline or handler updates. With closures already rehearsed and a Temporary Restricted Airspace expected, the best strategy is simple: leave earlier, confirm everything, and stay flexible.