Sustained passenger growth for Western Cape airports

Cape Town International Airport continues to witness a remarkable surge in passenger numbers, according to the latest Air Route Network update issued by Cape Town Air Access. Both the domestic and international passenger terminals have reported positive month-to-month and year-to-date increases, a testament to the airport’s resilience and popularity.

In June, the domestic terminal marked an impressive 24% year-on-year growth, facilitating the movement of more than 500,000 passengers. This substantial growth can be attributed to the consistent expansion of domestic carrier capacity throughout the preceding year. This response was primarily triggered by the cessation of Comair’s operations (British Airways and Kulula) in June 2022, which led to the removal of 40% of domestic capacity from the market. Despite this significant disruption, the airport has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and grow.

Year-to-date statistics for domestic passenger growth (January to June) reveal a commendable 9% increase compared to the same period in 2022, showcasing the sustained upward trajectory of the airport’s domestic operations.

Meanwhile, the international terminal reported a remarkable 39% year-on-year growth in June, welcoming more than 173,000 passengers. The year-to-date performance of the international terminal has been even more impressive, boasting a robust growth rate of 76%. Over 1.3 million two-way passengers have traversed the international terminal during the first half of 2023, signifying a strong and vibrant start to the year.

The airport’s international terminal continues to serve as a gateway to global destinations, reflecting Cape Town’s international appeal. The consistent growth experienced in this segment highlights the enduring allure of Cape Town as an international travel destination.

For a comprehensive breakdown of the two-way passenger performance at Cape Town International Airport, refer to the detailed tables provided below. The figures paint a compelling picture of the airport’s ongoing growth and its pivotal role within the aviation landscape. As the airport charts a course toward the future, its sustained passenger growth showcases its ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic industry.

The tables below detail a month-by-month breakdown of the two-way passenger performance at Cape Town International Airport.

The below graphic represents the year-on-year international passenger growth for each month of 2023 thus far, and visually shows the exceptional performance of international terminal traffic compared to 2022. 

George Airport Update

George Airport’s passenger numbers saw an increase of 4% in June, with over 58 000 passengers traveling through the airport. Year-to-Date, the airport has welcomed over 374 000 passengers which represents a year-on-year growth of 3%.

Below is a summary of passenger performance at George Airport.

International Carriers and Schedules – IATA Summer Season/ SA Winter