Cape Town Air Access, a public-private initiative headed by Western Cape trade, tourism and investment promotion agency Wesgro, has announced that Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) chalked up a record figure of three-million two-way international passengers last year. This represented a 10% increase over the figure for 2023.

Just in December last year, one-million two-way passengers passed through CTIA. This was a 3% increase, year-on-year (y-o-y). December 2024 was also the twenty-fourth month of continued growth in international passenger numbers through the airport.

“We are excited to see this remarkable growth in passengers at Cape Town International Airport, which will stimulate our economy and enhance our region’s competitiveness,” affirmed Wesgro CEO and Cape Town Air Access official spokesperson Wrenelle Stander. “These figures are a testament to the strength of our partnerships and the attractiveness of the Western Cape as a global destination for both business and leisure travel. We are committed to expanding connectivity to our destination – helping bring the world to Cape Town and the Western Cape.”

The total number of two-way passengers through CTIA last year came to about 10.4-million. This was a 7% increase, y-o-y.

Air cargo volumes through CTIA over the first ten months of 2024 jumped 27%, y-o-y.

“The Western Cape’s robust aviation sector plays a critical role in driving economic development,” highlighted Economic Growth MMC Alderman James Vos. “The sustained growth at [CTIA] demonstrates the resilience of our economy and the value of collaboration between government and industry stakeholders. Together, we’ve ensured that our region remains competitive on the global stage.”

Air connectivity developments will further boost international passenger traffic through CTIA during this year. Dutch flag carrier KLM and UK flag carrier British Airways have increased the number of their flights to Cape Town, for the duration of the Cape summer season. French flag carrier Air France and Norwegian long-haul low-cost carrier Norse Atlantic have both extended their Cape summer season services to the end of April. (Norse Atlantic’s service is between London Gatwick and CTIA.)

Regionally, Air Botswana will increase its passenger capacity between Gaborone and CTIA, and introduce new services from Maun and Kasane to CTIA, from the start of April. South African operator Airlink will also increase its capacity on its Gaborone-CTIA route, from the same date.

‘‘This surge in connectivity directly supports our tourism sector, which remains a cornerstone of job creation and economic development across the province,” pointed out Western Cape Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Minister Dr Ivan Meyer. “The extended operating seasons and increased flight frequencies from key markets such as Europe, the UK, and Botswana will ensure even more opportunities for travellers to experience the diverse offerings of the Western Cape. These developments present an opportunity for sustained growth for our tourism economy, benefiting local businesses, communities, and the people of the Western Cape," added Meyer.

‘‘This achievement would not have been possible without our Cape Town Air Access partners, Airports Company South Africa, South African Tourism, the Western Cape government, the City of Cape Town and Cape Town Tourism, as well as our private sector partners, the V&A Waterfront, Investec and DHL. We thank them for their ongoing support,” concluded Stander.