With Cape Town International Airport processing record passenger volumes, the city is poised for significant growth in its tourism economy, with expectations to exceed 11 million arrivals in 2025. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape has welcomed new air access figures confirming that 2025 was a record-breaking year for tourism, air connectivity and economic activity in the province. Figures released by Wesgro show that for the first time in its history, Cape Town International Airport processed more than 11.1 million two-way passengers in a single year.
International travel grew strongly, with 3.3 million two-way international passengers recorded in 2025 – a 7% increase year-on-year – while domestic travel also rose by 7% to reach 7.8 million passengers. December 2025 alone set a new festive-season record, with 1.12 million two-way domestic and international passengers moving through the airport. The data further highlights the Western Cape’s growing share of national tourism.
In December, nearly 28.5% of all international arrivals to South Africa entered through Cape Town International Airport, reinforcing the province’s position as a preferred gateway for global travellers. Wesgro has attributed the sustained growth to long-term air route development through the Cape Town Air Access initiative, which has focused on expanding international connectivity, unlocking new markets and supporting tourism-led economic growth. The agency has also confirmed that additional international routes are planned for 2026, including Cape Town International Airport’s first-ever direct connection to South America.
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Growth was not limited to Cape Town. George Airport recorded its strongest year on record, handling more than 911 000 passengers in 2025, underlining the importance of regional airports in spreading tourism benefits across the province.
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