News

South Africa’s Airports Brace For Festive Season Surge

December 12, 2023

3 mins read

South Africa’s Airports Company (ACSA) is preparing for the busiest time of the year as it braces for an influx of passengers during the holiday season from late October 2023 to March 2024. ACSA’s peak season planning includes a joint effort with multiple stakeholders to ensure a smooth travel experience and mitigate operational risks. OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, and King Shaka International Airport are expected to receive the highest traffic with 85% of all air passenger traffic in South Africa passing through these airports.

ACSA’s Preparations for the Holiday Rush

The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is gearing up for a grand reception this holiday season, as they manage the nation’s airports and prepare for the influx of passengers expected to flood the terminals during the peak season from late October 2023 to March 2024. ACSA’s peak season planning includes a joint effort with various stakeholders to ensure a smooth travel experience and mitigate operational risks.

In the lively core of South Africa, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is gearing up for a grand reception this holiday season. ACSA manages the nation’s airports and they’re ready for the influx of passengers expected to flood the terminals, marking it as one of the busiest times of the year. The peak season, which begins in late October 2023 and extends to March 2024, has been a focus for ACSA for the past three to four months. The company is now ramping up its efforts to ensure smooth functioning and a seamless travel experience during the hectic months of December and January.

ACSA’s Preparations for the Holiday Rush

At the forefront of this daunting task is Mpumi Mpofu, ACSA’s CEO, who confidently asserts, “We are prepared to take on the holiday season and I am certain that our detailed response to the massive passenger influx across our airport network will more than suffice to secure a safe and comfortable journey for holiday-goers.”

The holiday hustle begins to resonate at OR Tambo International Airport, which anticipates the busiest week from December 11 to 17. The airport projects its peak day to be December 11, with 285 outgoing and 292 incoming flights. This equates to roughly 28,727 departing passengers and a slightly larger number of 29,315 incoming passengers, providing a glimpse of the hectic, yet orderly frenzy the airport might encounter.

Predicted Traffic at Main Airports

Cape Town International Airport, another bustling hub managed by ACSA, expects its busiest week from January 1 to 7. The first day of the new year is anticipated to be the busiest with 264 aircraft movements and 32,750 passengers both arriving and departing.

King Shaka International Airport, the third of ACSA’s primary airports, foresees its busiest period to be from December 11 to 17. It anticipates December 14 to be the busiest day with 131 aircraft movements and 19,602 passengers transiting through the airport gates.

Collectively, these three airports — OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, and King Shaka International Airport — account for 85% of all air passenger traffic in South Africa. Of this traffic, a significant 49% is attributed to OR Tambo International, underlining its crucial role in the country’s air travel network.

Collaborative Effort for Peak Season Management

However, ACSA is not tackling this rush single-handedly. Terence Delomoney, the Group Executive Operations Management at ACSA, emphasizes that the company’s peak season strategy involves a joint effort with various stakeholders. The operation encompasses ACSA, the airports, the South African Police Service, the Border Management Authority, and other state entities, each playing a part in the operational deployment strategy for the festive season.

Delomoney clarifies that this plan prepares each stakeholder for the anticipated surge and helps them allocate their resources for the busiest period. “The key factors considered in Airports Company’s peak season planning include infrastructure availability (like parking and check-in counters), capacity and demand analysis, fuel management, and operational risk mitigation plans,” he explains. Such thorough planning highlights ACSA’s dedication to providing a safe and smooth travel experience, even when faced with substantial passenger volumes.

Ensuring a Smooth Travel Experience

As the holiday season approaches, ACSA appears equipped and ready to give passengers a seamless travel experience. Their careful planning and collaborative endeavors, backed by a strong strategy, pledge to guarantee safety, comfort, and convenience for travelers during South Africa’s most hectic travel period. As passengers prepare to take flight, ACSA is geared up to make their journeys unforgettable.

1. When is the peak season for air travel in South Africa?

The peak season for air travel in South Africa is from late October 2023 to March 2024.

2. Which are the busiest airports in South Africa during the holiday season?

OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, and King Shaka International Airport are expected to receive the highest traffic during the holiday season, with 85% of all air passenger traffic in South Africa passing through these airports.

3. What steps is ACSA taking to prepare for the holiday season rush?

ACSA’s peak season planning includes a joint effort with various stakeholders to ensure a smooth travel experience and mitigate operational risks. The plan factors in infrastructure availability, capacity and demand analysis, fuel management, and operational risk mitigation plans.

4. How many passengers are expected to travel through OR Tambo International Airport on its busiest day?

OR Tambo International Airport’s peak day is expected to be December 11, with 285 outgoing and 292 incoming flights. This equates to roughly 28,727 departing passengers and a slightly larger number of 29,315 incoming passengers.

5. What other entities are involved in ACSA’s peak season planning?

The operation encompasses ACSA, the airports, the South African Police Service, the Border Management Authority, and other state entities, each playing a part in the operational deployment strategy for the festive season.

6. What is ACSA’s CEO’s stance on the company’s preparedness for the holiday season?

Mpumi Mpofu, ACSA’s CEO, asserts that they are prepared to take on the holiday season and is certain that their detailed response to the massive passenger influx across their airport network will more than suffice to secure a safe and comfortable journey for holiday-goers.

Shores of Safety: How the NSRI’s Beach Camera Network is Changing Coastal Rescue

The NSRI’s Beach Safety Camera Network is making South Africa’s beaches safer by watching six risky spots with live video and trained watchers. These cameras spot trouble fast, helping rescuers jump into action before things get worse. The system respects people’s privacy and brings communities together to protect beachgoers. Thanks to this smart mix of technology and teamwork, more lives are being saved along the beautiful but sometimes dangerous coast.

Reimagining the Strand Street Quarry: Cape Town’s Next Chapter

The Strand Street Quarry in Cape Town is set to transform from a quiet, forgotten space into a lively community hub full of sports, culture, and fun. This special place, rich with history and surrounded by vibrant neighborhoods, will become a spot where people can play, celebrate, work, and connect. The city is listening closely to its residents to make sure the new space respects the past while welcoming the future. Together, Cape Town hopes to turn the old quarry into a bright, shared treasure for everyone.

Latest from Blog

vaping south african teenagers adolescent health risks

The Rise of Vaping Among South African Teenagers

Vaping is quickly becoming a popular habit among South African teenagers, drawn by sweet fruity flavors, flashy packaging, and the buzz on social media. Many teens vape to fit in with friends, feel cool and rebellious, or to escape stress and anxiety. However, what seems like harmless fun can quickly turn into addiction, affecting their health and wellbeing. Despite the risks, vaping is often misunderstood, making it harder for families and schools to stop this growing trend. It’s a serious challenge that needs everyone—parents, teachers, and leaders—to work together to protect young people’s futures.

south african agriculture agoa trade impact

South African Agriculture and the Changing Winds of Trade

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has helped South African farmers sell fruits like avocados, wine, and citrus to the United States without paying extra taxes. This chance boosted farming communities, especially small farmers and women, by opening up new markets and encouraging growth. But recent U.S. tariffs threaten these gains, making it harder for farmers to compete and putting many livelihoods at risk. Still, South African farmers remain strong and hopeful, working hard to face these new challenges and keep their communities alive.

Trapped Abroad: Ashley Oosthuizen’s Journey Through Thailand’s Legal Labyrinth

Ashley Oosthuizen, a young South African woman, went to Thailand chasing her dreams but ended up trapped in a nightmare. After unknowingly signing for a package with illegal drugs, she was arrested and sentenced to over 13 years in prison, despite being innocent. Her mother moved to Thailand to fight for her, sharing Ashley’s story with the world and gaining support. Even when the real criminal confessed, the Thai courts kept Ashley behind bars. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and the risks travelers face in foreign countries.

saps officers missing hennops river tragedy

Shadows Along the Hennops: Three SAPS Officers Vanish and a River Gives Up Its Secrets

In April 2025, three South African police officers disappeared during a trip and were later found dead near the Hennops River, along with two others. Their white car vanished into the river’s dark, swirling waters, hiding clues and sparking a deep mystery. Families and the public mourned, demanding answers amid fears of foul play. The quiet river, once peaceful, now holds heavy secrets and reminds the nation of the dangers police face and the urgent need for justice.

cape town boatbuilding maritime industry

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding: Crafting a Legacy on the Waterfront

Cape Town’s boatbuilding industry is a shining example of skill and tradition mixed with new technology. It creates beautiful, strong boats that are loved worldwide and supports thousands of jobs in the city. But now, new tariffs on exports, especially to the US, threaten this important work and the people who depend on it. Despite these challenges, boatbuilders, city leaders, and innovators are coming together to protect this proud craft. Their passion and teamwork fuel hope that Cape Town’s boatbuilding legacy will sail on strong into the future.

the ultimate mother city guide

South Africa’s Airports Brace For Festive Season Surge