Ivory Coast/airplane

Passengers Grounded Across South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, and Ivory Coast as Airlines Cancel 23 Flights and Delay 150, Impacting Johannesburg Travel

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Written by Art Ellis

October 27, 2025

Several key airports in South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, and Ivory Coast have experienced significant flight disruptions, impacting major airlines such as Air Côte d’Ivoire, Royal Air Maroc, and easyJet. These interruptions have resulted in numerous cancellations and delays, affecting thousands of travelers across important hubs like Johannesburg, Casablanca, Abidjan, Cape Town, and Marrakech.

The widespread delays and cancellations have created challenges for both passengers and airport staff, as many seek alternative travel options. Authorities and airlines continue to manage the situation while encouraging passengers to monitor the latest updates regarding their flights.

Cities and Airports Impacted

The following cities and their main airports are facing flight delays and cancellations:

  • Algiers: Houari Boumedienne Airport
  • Casablanca: Mohammed V International Airport
  • Marrakech: Menara International Airport
  • Johannesburg: OR Tambo International Airport
  • Cape Town: Cape Town International Airport
  • Abidjan: Felix Houphouet Boigny International Airport

These airports serve as major hubs in Algeria, Morocco, South Africa, and Ivory Coast.

Flight cancellations overview

Several airports experienced flight cancellations across different airlines. The highest number of cancellations occurred at Houari Boumedienne and Port Bouet airports, each with five flights canceled. Airlines such as Air Algerie and Air Cote D’Ivoire showed notable cancellation counts. Other carriers, including easyJet and South African Airways, reported fewer cancellations but maintained several delayed flights.

AirportCanceled FlightsMajor Airlines Affected
Houari Boumedienne5Air Algerie
Port Bouet5Air Cote D’Ivoire
Menara Int’l4easyJet
OR Tambo Int’l2South African Airways

Impacted Carriers

Several airlines have faced notable interruptions, including Air Côte d’Ivoire, Royal Air Maroc, easyJet, Saudia, and Air France. These disruptions have led to widespread cancellations and delays.

South African Airways is also significantly affected, particularly on routes from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Airports in South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, and Ivory Coast have seen the most impact. Passengers with these carriers have encountered travel challenges throughout the affected regions.

Summary of Flight Disruptions

Flight cancellations have impacted several major airports and airlines across parts of Africa. The most affected countries include South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, and Ivory Coast, each experiencing varying levels of operational interruptions.

At Algiers’ Houari Boumedienne Airport, cancellations affected both Air Algerie and Saudia. Air Algerie saw 5 flights cancelled, which is 3% of its total departures there. Saudia had a smaller number but a much higher cancellation rate at 25% of its flights from this airport.

In Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, Royal Air Maroc recorded only 1 cancellation, representing a negligible fraction of its schedule. Air France experienced a more substantial impact, with 1 cancelled flight accounting for 12% of their operations.

Marrakech’s Menara International Airport showed mixed disruption levels. easyJet had 4 cancelled flights, equal to 8% of its flights, while Air France faced a larger disruption with 2 cancellations, making up 25% of its total flights from Marrakech.

In South Africa, both OR Tambo International (Johannesburg) and Cape Town International were affected. South African Airways cancelled 2 flights at each airport, making up 3% and 9% of their schedules, respectively.

At Felix Houphouet Boigny International Airport (Port Bouet, Abidjan), Air Côte d’Ivoire experienced 5 cancellations, representing a significant 16% of scheduled flights, marking one of the highest cancellation rates among the airports listed.

AirportAirlineCancelled Flights% of Total Flights Cancelled
Houari Boumedienne (Algiers)Air Algerie53%
Houari Boumedienne (Algiers)Saudia125%
Mohammed V (Casablanca)Royal Air Maroc10%
Mohammed V (Casablanca)Air France112%
Menara (Marrakech)easyJet48%
Menara (Marrakech)Air France225%
OR Tambo (Johannesburg)South African Airways23%
Cape Town InternationalSouth African Airways29%
Port Bouet (Abidjan)Air Côte d’Ivoire516%

These cancellations highlight operational challenges for certain carriers and airports, with some airlines facing more concentrated disruptions in proportion to their flights.

Steps to Take When Your Flight Is Cancelled

When a flight cancellation occurs, it is important to remain composed and act promptly. The traveler should immediately verify updates via the airline’s official communication channels, including emails, texts, or mobile applications.

Contacting the airline quickly is essential. At the airport, visiting the service desk can provide immediate assistance. Otherwise, using phone lines or online chat support can help avoid long waiting times.

Familiarity with the airline’s policies is necessary. Airlines often have specific procedures for rebooking and compensation, especially if the disruption is within their control. Knowing passenger rights can help in claiming refunds or alternative arrangements.

Exploring alternative travel options is advisable. The airline might offer the next available flight, but if that doesn’t fit the traveler’s schedule, looking for other carriers or different modes of transportation like trains or buses can be beneficial.

ActionDescriptionTips
Monitor communicationCheck emails, texts, app notifications for updatesKeep devices charged
Contact airlineVisit airport desk or call/use chat supportUse online tools to save time
Understand policiesReview cancellation, rebooking, and compensation rulesCheck official airline site
Consider alternativesLook for other flights or transport optionsBook early to secure slots

Being proactive and informed can reduce the inconvenience caused by cancellations. Travellers should act quickly but calmly to secure the best possible solution.

About the author
Art Ellis
Art Ellis is webmaster and graphic designer tasked with keeping Research Blaze online. With a strong interest in technology and travel, he also occasionally contributes articles to the site.