Cape Town Airport Shatters Records with International Travel Surge

By Ivan PetrenkoJan 20, 2024 22:36 PMNews
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Cape Town Airport runaway
Cape Town Airport runaway. Source: unsplash

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in South Africa has achieved an unprecedented milestone, registering the highest number of international passengers in its history for a single month. The December 2023 figures not only highlight a significant boost in tourism but also mark an economic triumph, contributing over ZAR1.9 billion ($99.7 million) to the Western Cape's foreign tourism revenue.

A Decade of Remarkable Growth

Reflecting a decade of growth, the airport's international passenger tally has nearly doubled. The historic peak in December 2023 surpassed the previous record set in January 2020, with CPT hosting 290,000 international visitors. The airport's year-round performance in 2023 was equally impressive, welcoming 2.8 million international travelers, eclipsing the 2.6 million count of 2019 and significantly outdoing the 1.5 million in 2013.

Management's Optimistic Outlook

Cape Town International Airport's Regional General Manager, Mark Maclean, expressed optimism for the ongoing high passenger volumes, attributing part of this success to the Southern Hemisphere's summer season. He extended gratitude to visitors for their cooperation, emphasizing a focus on managing the remaining peak season.

Boosting Regional Connectivity and Economy

Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander, representing Cape Town Air Access, lauded the growth at CPT, attributing it to enhanced global connectivity efforts. Mireille Wenger, Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, stressed the significance of these numbers for local economic growth and job creation, underscoring the vital role of Cape Town Air Access in attracting international flights to the region.

International Flight Dynamics

Data from Cirium reveals that CPT was scheduled for 3,661 flights in January 2024, with 866 one-way international itineraries. The busiest international routes included flights to Windhoek, London, and Dubai. British Airways led in offering the most international seats, with major carriers like Delta Air Lines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines also contributing significantly with their fleet of A350-1000 or A350-900 aircraft.

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