Key Takeaways
- South African airports have nearly returned to pre-Covid passenger levels, with a 99% recovery in passenger traffic across domestic and international routes.
- Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) reports 19.3-million passengers in the winter 2025/26 season, close to the pre-pandemic high.
- The three largest airports, OR Tambo, Cape Town International, and King Shaka International, saw significant growth in departing passengers, with increases of 9%, 9%, and 13% respectively.
- Acsa expects peak season to be busy, with over 132,000 departing passengers on the busiest days, requiring coordinated operations to ensure smooth travel.
Introduction to Airports Company South Africa’s Recovery
The Covid-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on the aviation industry, with many airports around the world experiencing significant declines in passenger traffic. However, Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) is pleased to report that its airports have nearly returned to pre-Covid passenger levels. According to Acsa’s latest report, the company has recovered to 19.3-million passengers in the winter 2025/26 season, representing a 99% recovery in passenger traffic across domestic and international routes. This is a significant achievement, considering the pandemic’s impact on the industry, and it highlights Acsa’s efforts to ramp up investment and operations ahead of the peak season.
Passenger Traffic Growth at Major Airports
Acsa’s three largest airports, OR Tambo, Cape Town International, and King Shaka International, have all seen strong growth in departing passengers. OR Tambo, the largest airport in South Africa, handled 5.79-million passengers, up 9% from the previous year. Cape Town International Airport also saw a 9% increase, with 3.07-million passengers, while King Shaka International Airport experienced a 13% growth, with 1.62-million passengers. These numbers indicate a significant increase in air travel demand, and Acsa is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The growth in passenger traffic is a testament to the company’s efforts to improve its operations and provide a better travel experience for its customers.
Peak Season Expectations
As the peak season approaches, Acsa is expecting a significant increase in passenger traffic. The company has forecasted that the busiest days of the peak season will see over 132,000 departing passengers. Specifically, December 12 is expected to have 132,473 departing passengers, with 1,210 flights, while December 19 is expected to have 132,965 departing passengers, with 1,217 flights. January 2 is also expected to be busy, with 132,275 departing passengers, and 1,205 flights. These numbers highlight the need for coordinated operations to ensure smooth travel, and Acsa is working closely with its stakeholders to ensure that all systems are in place to handle the increased demand.
Investment and Operations
Acsa’s recovery and growth can be attributed to its significant investment in its operations and infrastructure. The company has been working to improve its airport facilities, including the expansion of terminals, and the introduction of new technology to enhance the travel experience. Acsa has also been investing in its staff, providing training and development programs to ensure that its employees are equipped to handle the increased demand. The company’s efforts have paid off, with its airports now offering a world-class travel experience, and its passengers benefiting from improved facilities and services.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, Airports Company South Africa’s recovery to pre-Covid passenger levels is a significant achievement, and a testament to the company’s hard work and dedication. With its three largest airports experiencing strong growth in departing passengers, and the peak season expected to be busy, Acsa is well-positioned for continued success. The company’s investment in its operations and infrastructure will continue to pay off, and its passengers will benefit from improved facilities and services. As the aviation industry continues to recover from the pandemic, Acsa is poised to play a significant role in the growth and development of air travel in South Africa, and its future outlook is positive.