Cape Town International Airport saw a record-breaking number of passengers board and disembark flights last year.
The airport recorded 11.1 million two-way passengers for both domestic and international flights, marking the first time it has achieved this total.
December was also a record-breaking month, as the airport recorded just under 364,000 two-way international passengers.
This signifies a 10% year-on-year growth rate, and another record for both Cape Town and the Western Cape’s festive season tourism numbers.
Statistics released by the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) indicate that a total of 3.3 million two-way international passengers passed through the airport’s terminals last year.
This marks a 7% increase compared to 2024 figures. The number of domestic two-way passengers also increased by 7%, reaching 7.8 million.
The airport recorded a significant increase in air cargo volumes for the first ten months of the year, increasing by a staggering 42% in comparison to 2024.
This showcases the international airport’s importance to the Western Cape’s logistics sector.
Festive season travel boosted Cape Town’s tourism numbers, including the total number of two-way passengers making their way through the city’s major airport.
1.12 million two-way passengers were recorded at the airport in the last month of 2025, reflecting an 8% year-on-year increase, and another record-breaking December for the province.
City of Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, said the aviation economy is a powerful driver of tourism and a key catalyst for economic growth.
“I’ve been holding thumbs for us to pass the 11-million-passenger mark, so this milestone is especially encouraging,” he said.
“When passengers fly to Cape Town, they spend in our hotels, restaurants, and small businesses, directly supporting employment across the city. “
Vos noted that the tourism industry already employs 7% of the city’s workforce, and pledged to grow that figure past 10%.
More growth on the cards
As part of the Western Cape’s Growth for Jobs Strategy, the province is on a mission to double its tourism by 2035.
This was confirmed by Wrenelle Stander, spokesperson of Cape Town Air Access, and CEO of Wesgro, the official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for the Western Cape.
“These record-breaking figures demonstrate that we are firmly on the road towards achieving this objective,” she said.
“When you grow tourism, you stimulate growth, strengthen competitiveness and create jobs in communities across the province.”
“We look forward to welcoming tourists from across South Africa and the world, and showcasing the diversity of experiences on offer in our beautiful province.”
Heading into 2026, Cape Town Air Access is expanding its route offerings, enabling further tourism growth in the province.
Starting in July, LATAM Airlines, a Latin American airline, will introduce three weekly flights connecting São Paulo in Brazil to Cape Town.
LATAM will be the first South American airline to operate direct flights to the city, further strengthening the Western Cape’s international connectivity.
Air Tanzania has also launched its own triangular route between Dar es Salaam, Victoria Falls, and Cape Town, which has opened the door for those travelling to East Africa.
Wesgro noted frequency increases from international carriers, including United, Delta, Condor, KLM, Norse Atlantic, Air France, TAAG, Qatar Airways, and Proflight Zambia.
Major airlines Emirates, Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines also plan to increase frequencies to Cape Town International this year.
Dr Ivan Meyer, Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, said the province has a laser focus on achieving its Growth for Jobs Strategy.
“When tourism grows, jobs increase, and more opportunities are created for people in towns across the province,” he said.
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