Heavy rains and severe flooding have caused major travel disruptions in parts of South Africa, leading to numerous flight cancellations and flooded roadways that have left travellers stranded and local communities coping with damaged infrastructure. Airports in affected regions reported delays and cancellations as runways and access routes were overwhelmed by rising waters, forcing airlines to adjust schedules and passengers to make last‑minute changes to their plans.
On the ground, highways and secondary roads became impassable in several provinces after intense downpours swept across the country, inundating bridges, washing out sections of pavement, and creating hazardous driving conditions. Motorists were urged to avoid flood‑prone areas and follow guidance from emergency services to stay safe.
Emergency responders have been working to clear debris, assist stranded travellers, and support residents in flood‑affected towns and villages. Local authorities noted that the extreme weather highlights vulnerabilities in key transport networks and called for increased planning and investment to boost resilience against future climate impacts.
The travel crisis has also affected tourism, with some visitors forced to cancel trips or alter itineraries amid the ongoing chaos. Officials have pledged to restore normal operations as quickly as possible while assessing the full extent of the damage and coordinating recovery efforts.