Johannesburg – Authorities have opened an investigation into the unexplained arrival of 153 Palestinian travelers who landed aboard a charter flight without proper entry documents, leading to a 12-hour standoff on the tarmac at OR Tambo International Airport.
The passengers, who arrived from Kenya on a Global Airways charter flight, lacked departure stamps, return tickets, or confirmed accommodation details, according to border officials. None had applied for asylum, prompting an initial refusal of entry.
A local pastor permitted to board the stationary aircraft described conditions as “excruciatingly hot,” with distressed children “sweating, screaming, and crying” during the prolonged delay. Following intervention by humanitarian organizations, 130 individuals were eventually admitted under a standard 90-day visa waiver, while 23 others with valid visas for third countries were permitted to continue their journeys.
President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the travelers had been admitted “on compassionate grounds” but emphasized the need to determine the origins and circumstances of their journey. “These individuals were mysteriously placed on a plane that transited through Nairobi before arriving here,” he stated.
The incident marks the second such arrival in recent weeks. According to relief organizations, the passengers reportedly had limited awareness of their destination until reaching Kenyan airspace. Some possessed valid visas for Canada, Australia, and Malaysia.
Palestinian diplomatic representatives attributed the situation to an unregistered organization that allegedly “exploited humanitarian conditions, deceived families, and collected payments while facilitating irregular travel.”
The episode has sparked renewed debate regarding border security procedures and the nation’s stance on Middle Eastern conflicts. While the government has historically supported Palestinian causes and initiated legal action against Israel at international courts, some critics question the consistency between policy statements and operational responses.
The home affairs minister clarified that entry was granted after verifying the travelers wouldn’t become destitute and emphasized that no asylum claims had been submitted. All admitted individuals received standard 90-day visa exemptions with standard conditions attached.
Authorities continue investigating the travel arrangements and documentation gaps that enabled the unusual arrival.
