Widespread road closure warning for South Africans – O.R. Tambo access affected

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has issued a statement warning of road closures around OR Tambo International Airport ahead of the G20 South Africa summit.

It stated that no delays or disruptions to flight operations are expected at OR Tambo, but “to accommodate security measures and event requirements, certain airport access roads will be temporarily affected.”

From Tuesday, 18 November 2025, South Africans must be aware of the following changes at OR Tambo International Airport:

• Cargo Road will be completely closed – access will only be available via Voortrekker Road up to the SAA Cargo area.
• Arrivals Road will be closed – all vehicles will be rerouted to Parkade 2 North and South for passenger drop-off and pick-up.
• Short-term parking (commonly known as the Piazza) will be completely closed.

Road closures

The G20 Leaders’ Summit summit takes place at Nasrec, Johannesburg on 22 and 23 November, and is expected to cause major traffic disruptions and delays.

However, there are several related events happening during the build up to the summit, starting from Tuesday, 18 November.

Disruptions and road closures will therefore begin from 18 November 2025.

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla, speaking to 702, said that they have been going through intensive planning since it was announced that Johannesburg would host the G20 in 2025.

Joint operations between the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP), Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), and South African Police Service (SAPS) have already been conducted last weekend and in October.

Fihla explained that while last weekend’s operation affected only Johannesburg, South African motorists should expect more widespread disruptions from 18 November.

The affected areas include Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni.

Here are the major routes that will be affected:

• N1
• N12
• N3
• M1
• R21
• R24

Here are the suburban areas that will be affected:

• Sandton
• Melrose Arch
• Fourways
• Roodepoort
• Rosebank
• Westcliff
• Parkview

Fihla asked residents to be patient, stating that many of the road closures (exluding the roads within the Nasrec precinct) would be temporary and periodic, to allow the movement of convoys and operations to and from the expo centre.

Several major routes within the Nasrec precinct will only be affected from 19 November.

Access on Nasrec Road coming from the traffic circle heading towards the Expo Centre and the FNB Stadium will be limited.

The following roads will be fully closed from Wednesday, 19 November:

• The Golden Highway next to the Expo Centre will be fully closed between Rand Show Road and Soweto Highway.
• Nasrec Road between Rand Show Road and Shaft 17 Road
• Booysens Reserve Road between Crownwood Road and Nasrec Road