Cape Town International Airport exceeds expectations in 2023/24 financial year

Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) processed more than 10 million passengers in the 2023/24 financial year. It is the first time it hit this record since the Covid-19 pandemic.

PASSENGER GROWTH AT CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

In March alone, more than 320,000 passengers travelled to or from CTIA. The airport also experienced an increased number of passengers over the peak season in December, processing 317 000 international two-way passengers, according to Money Web. This highlights the growing appeal of Cape Town as a global hub.

Mark Maclean, the regional general manager of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), said they had recorded a steady increase in passenger volumes this financial year. “International and regional passenger volumes have consistently exceeded historic passenger volumes, including March 2024,” he said. The last time the airport reached a milestone of 10 million passengers, was in 2016, according to Daily Investor.

EXPANSIONS: WHAT IS ON THE HORIZON?

CTIA has plans to expand to accommodate the growing demand and increased frequencies of flights. Additionally, the airport aims to improve airport operations and passenger experience. Currently, the plans include the construction of a new runway, upgrading its terminals (especially domestic arrivals), and undertaking renovation projects. An expansion of the international terminal is also in the works.         

Transport minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said the priority at CTIA will be reconfiguring the domestic arrivals terminal to meet growing capacity needs. This will involve a larger meet and greet area, baggage claim area, and domestic departures lounge. Ablution facilities and retail spaces will also be increased, according to Business Tech.

CAPE TOWN’S POPULARITY

Cape Town has become a very popular destination for both local and international travellers. Provincial minister of finance and economic opportunities, Mireille Wenger, noted that “tourism in the Western Cape continues to grow and strengthen. (The) total international air arrivals to Cape Town International Airport between January and February 2024 surpassed the 200,000 mark … at key attractions in regions across the province, visitor numbers are up 20% year-on-year.”

The airport’s international terminal reported a year-on-year growth of 48% last year. International airlines are increasing frequencies on their Cape Town routes, according to cajnews. Currently, 29 airlines operate at CTIA. Of this total, 14 are international airlines, such as British Airways and KLM.

The Western Cape government is very satisfied with the growth in the tourism industry, as more visitors mean more money entering the province.

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