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President Jacob Zuma says as the OR Tambo International Airport opens its new central terminal building, South Africans should pay tribute to the late struggle hero that the airport has been named after.

Zuma was speaking at the official opening of the airport's central terminal building earlier today. The Airport Company South Africa (Acsa) spent over R2 billion to upgrade the airport - making it the biggest port of entry in the country. President Zuma says in line with Tambo's legacy, South Africans should embrace their hosting of the FIFA World Cup.

"President Oliver Tambo taught us to embrace the world outside our immediate precincts. Oliver Tambo was a true international statesman with the highest regard for the values of humanity, dignity and compassion. With the name change we sought not only to immortalise president Tambo but also to celebrate his sacrifice and commitment to the universal values of equality and freedom," says Zuma.

Meanwhile, a South African Airways (SAA) flight to London expected to have left this morning was delayed again until further notice due to the volcanic ash crisis, the carrier said.

"SAA is monitoring the situation in conjunction with European Air Traffic and will resume operations between South Africa and the United Kingdom as soon as conditions are deemed safe for air travel," a statement read.

Passengers had been stranded since last Thursday due to the volcanic ash cloud moving over Europe and the UK from Iceland. – Additional reporting by Sapa