Weather wreaks havoc at South African Airport

On 16 November 2007 freak storms wreaked havoc to scheduled flights - leaving passengers stranded at Johannesburg International (or O.R TAMBO) airport in South Africa.

The 16th started out overcast and cold - not normal for a South African summer's day. Traffic from Johannesburg's northern suburbs towards the airport was slow from 3pm already - my car barely reached the 20km per hour mark. By 5pm a hailstorm hit Johannesburg and effectively halted all incoming and outgoing flights. Commuters on their way to the airport were forced to drive extremely slow or pull over as visibility was poor.

During the hailstorm in the airport building, the flight information boards started showing planes that should've landed being delayed. Then the dreaded departures delayed signs started coming up... and a long waiting period for would be passengers started.

Our flight was schedule to leave at 6:15pm - but by that time thunder continuously lit up the sky and rain poured down relentlessly. By 10pm we were escorted to our plane but had to wait another 45 minutes in a queue to take off. On board the British Airways plane passengers were served one drink each while we were cooped up in the plane. We finally departed just before 11pm for a bumpy ride and airplane food's aroma filling the cabin.

Landing in Durban was a great relief. As soon as we walked into the airport building we made a beeline for the car rental area - luckily the offices are open 24 hours a day. 15 minutes later we were on our way towards Salt Rock on the Kwazulu Natal Dolphin Coast. The N2 Durban highway was wet with rain and only a few cars were on the road at midnight. We arrived in Salt rock just before 1am and booked into the bed and breakfast.

How global climate changes influences South Africans' daily lives:

Changing weather patterns in South Africa have been wreaking havoc on city commuters' daily travels. On 22 November 2007 bus travellers near Soweto had to be rescued as a flash food trapped them inside busses and taxis. Normal traffic on the main highways usually also grind to a halt the minute it stars to rain.

Useful information for when you visit South Africa:

• Information about South Africa that all tourists should know before landing - weather, public holidays etc.
• Learn about South African airlines & airports and how to get the best deals on flights
• Read about car rental, South Africa - and some information on how to get the lowest rates