Cape Town airport breaks all records with 11.1 million passengers in 2025

Cape Town has cemented itself as a global tourist hotspot, hitting an all-time high of 11.1 million two-way passengers through its international airport in 2025.

Figures from Airports Company South Africa (Acsa), which manages the airport, show 3.3 million two-way international passengers passed through the airport’s international terminal in 2025, an increase of 7% on the previous year.

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In December 2025 alone, just under 364 000 two-way international passengers passed through the airport, 10% higher than in the same month of 2024.

The number of domestic two-way travellers reached 7.8 million in 2025, also 7% higher than the previous year.

Capping off a bumper year for the airport, cargo volumes grew 42% for the first 10 months of 2025.

The Western Cape is on a mission to double tourism by 2035 as part of its ‘Jobs for Growth’ strategy.

“These record-breaking figures demonstrate that we are firmly on the road towards achieving this objective. When you grow tourism, you stimulate growth, strengthen competitiveness and create jobs in communities across the province,” says Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro.

Stander is also spokesperson for Cape Town Air Access, a Wesgro initiative aimed at developing air routes to the city for both passengers and air cargo. “That is why it is such an important priority for Wesgro,” adds Stander.

“We look forward to welcoming tourists from across South Africa and the world, with love from the locals, and showcasing the diversity of experiences on offer in our beautiful province.”

Summer traffic through the airport was augmented by more frequent flights from United Airlines, Delta, Condor, KLM, Norse Atlantic, Air France, TAAG, Qatar Airways and Proflight Zambia.

Emirates, Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines have also announced plans to introduce additional flights to Cape Town in 2026.

Improved connectivity and ongoing route expansions will enable further tourism growth in 2026, says Wesgro.

Latam Airlines recently announced a new direct service between São Paulo and Cape Town, starting with three flights a week from July 2026. This is the first South American carrier operating direct flights to the Mother City, further strengthening the Western Cape’s international connectivity.

Last month, Air Tanzania launched a triangular route linking Dar es Salaam, Victoria Falls and Cape Town, before returning to Dar Es Salaam, opening a new gateway for travellers to and from East Africa.

Furthermore, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines will increase frequencies to CPT in 2026.

‘‘When tourism grows, jobs increase, and more opportunities are created for people in towns across the province,” says Western Cape Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer.

“The Western Cape government looks forward to another successful year in 2026, as we work towards our ambitious goal of doubling tourism by 2035.”

Mayoral committee member for economic growth, James Vos, says he has been “holding thumbs” for Cape Town to pass the 11 million passenger mark.

“When passengers fly to Cape Town, they spend in our hotels, restaurants, and small businesses, directly supporting employment across the city. With tourism already employing nearly 7% of our workforce, my focus is to grow this beyond 10% by ensuring everything we do, from flights to campaigns, delivers real results.”

Stander says the increase in traffic to the airport was the result of collaboration between Cape Town Air Access partners, including Acsa, South African Tourism, the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town, Cape Town Tourism and private sector partners.

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