A Soaring Comeback: Cape Town International Airport Experiences Unprecedented Passenger Growth

Cape Town International Airport has experienced an incredible surge in passenger traffic, with over 1.7 million two-way passengers traveling through the airport’s international terminal from January to August 2023, a 107% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. Domestic terminal traffic at CTIA also saw a significant upswing, with more than 4.3 million two-way passengers during the same period, an 80% rebound compared to 2019 statistics. The increase in tourist arrivals via air signifies a full recovery compared to the same period in 2019, with the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Netherlands, and France topping the list of source markets. The Western Cape’s travel and hospitality sectors appear poised for a prosperous future as CTIA’s passenger numbers continue to soar.

What is Cape Town International Airport’s passenger growth in the post-pandemic period?

Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) has seen a remarkable surge in passenger traffic, with over 1.7 million two-way passengers traveling through the airport’s international terminal from January to August 2023, signifying a 107% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels and a 64% growth relative to the same timeframe in 2022. Domestic terminal traffic at CTIA also saw a significant upswing, with more than 4.3 million two-way passengers during the same period, an 80% rebound compared to 2019 statistics.

Cape Town International Airport’s Passenger Boom

As the global community gradually recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic’s fallout, the travel and hospitality sector has demonstrated its tenacity, with Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) witnessing a remarkable surge in passenger traffic. From January to August 2023, over 1.7 million two-way passengers traveled through the airport’s international terminal, signifying a 107% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels and a 64% growth relative to the same timeframe in 2022.

This exceptional recovery was not exclusive to international travel. Domestic terminal traffic at CTIA also saw a significant upswing, with more than 4.3 million two-way passengers during the same period. This denotes an 80% rebound compared to 2019 statistics and a 12% year-on-year growth.

In a recent monthly tourism report, the Western Cape Government’s trade, investment, and tourism promotion agency, Wesgro, unveiled these figures. Mireille Wenger, the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, expressed a positive outlook, noting the tourism and hospitality sector’s unwavering resolve in the face of numerous obstacles.

International Tourist Arrivals in Cape Town

Cape Town has experienced a considerable increase in tourism, especially from international markets. From January to August 2023, the city registered 562,818 tourist arrivals via air, with 90% hailing from international markets and 10% from African countries. The number of visitors achieved a full recovery compared to the same period in 2019.

The United Kingdom topped the list of source markets for Cape Town’s air travel, followed by the United States, Germany, Netherlands, and France. Additionally, the Western Cape’s scenic attractions witnessed a significant rise in visitor numbers, with 607,353 individuals visiting 36 participating sites in August 2023 – a 72% increase compared to the previous year.

In August 2023, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Table Mountain National Park, Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area, West Coast National Park, and Harold Porter National Botanical Garden experienced the highest year-on-year growth rates. The considerable growth for Table Mountain Aerial Cableway was primarily due to its closure for maintenance during August 2022.

Contributing Factors and Future Prospects

Wenger cited several accomplishments that contributed to the Western Cape’s economic growth and job creation. The Air Access team’s efforts resulted in the arrival of 605,000 international passengers via air in 2022, injecting R24.3 billion into the region’s economy and supporting 10,600 jobs. Moreover, from November 2022 to May 2023, the Western Cape hosted a record number of cruise ships, generating an estimated R1.2 billion and creating approximately 1,800 local jobs.

With the summer peak season on the horizon, Wenger emphasized the need for continued preparedness to guarantee a warm reception for visitors worldwide. The travel and hospitality sectors are crucial for job creation, and the positive trends at Cape Town International Airport suggest a bright future for the region.

As CTIA’s passenger numbers continue to soar and tourist attractions experience increased footfall, the Western Cape’s travel and hospitality sectors appear poised for a prosperous future. As the world recuperates from the pandemic, the resilience and determination of these industries shine as a beacon of hope for economic revitalization and job creation throughout the province.

1. What is Cape Town International Airport’s passenger growth in the post-pandemic period?

Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) has seen a remarkable surge in passenger traffic, with over 1.7 million two-way passengers traveling through the airport’s international terminal from January to August 2023, signifying a 107% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels and a 64% growth relative to the same timeframe in 2022.

2. How much domestic terminal traffic did CTIA record in the same period?

Domestic terminal traffic at CTIA also saw a significant upswing, with more than 4.3 million two-way passengers during the same period, an 80% rebound compared to 2019 statistics.

3. What does the passenger growth signify for the Western Cape’s travel and hospitality sectors?

As CTIA’s passenger numbers continue to soar and tourist attractions experience increased footfall, the Western Cape’s travel and hospitality sectors appear poised for a prosperous future.

4. What percentage of tourist arrivals via air were from international markets in Cape Town?

From January to August 2023, Cape Town registered 562,818 tourist arrivals via air, with 90% hailing from international markets and 10% from African countries.

5. What are the top five source markets for Cape Town’s air travel?

The United Kingdom topped the list of source markets for Cape Town’s air travel, followed by the United States, Germany, Netherlands, and France.

6. What tourist attractions in the Western Cape witnessed a significant rise in visitor numbers in August 2023?

In August 2023, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Table Mountain National Park, Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area, West Coast National Park, and Harold Porter National Botanical Garden experienced the highest year-on-year growth rates.

7. What were the factors contributing to the Western Cape’s economic growth and job creation?

The Air Access team’s efforts resulted in the arrival of 605,000 international passengers via air in 2022, injecting R24.3 billion into the region’s economy and supporting 10,600 jobs. Moreover, from November 2022 to May 2023, the Western Cape hosted a record number of cruise ships, generating an estimated R1.2 billion and creating approximately 1,800 local jobs.

8. What are the prospects for the Western Cape’s travel and hospitality sectors?

As the world recuperates from the pandemic, the resilience and determination of the travel and hospitality sectors shine as a beacon of hope for economic revitalization and job creation throughout the province. With the summer peak season on the horizon, continued preparedness is needed to guarantee a warm reception for visitors worldwide.