Congestion of planes at Durban's King Shake airport

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) reported heavy congestion at Durban’s new King Shaka International Airport (FALE/DUR) on 7 July 2010 ahead of the World Cup semi-final match between Germany and Spain. Reports indicate that five commercial flights were turned back to Johannesburg and Cape Town, while others were delayed for several hours when VIP private jets refused to move after landing, blocking space on the tarmac for other aircraft. Airport authorities stated that the charter planes were supposed to drop off their passengers at King Shaka International Airport and then reposition to Durban’s decommissioned international airport, which is located approximately 40 mi/60 km south, but some pilots refused to continue on to the old facility. The congestion and delays forced many soccer fans on the commercial flights to miss the semi-final match, which was played at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium. In order to prevent similar problems ahead of the World Cup final, which will be played at Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium on 11 July, ACSA warned that private jets will be towed if they refuse to make room for commercial flights at OR Tambo International Airport (FAJS/JNB).