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. With a busy tourist season still underway and official final figures are awaited, Cape Town airport arrivals continue to provide one of the strongest signals of growth in the city’s visitor economy. According to mayco member for Economic Growth, James Vos, all indicators point to passenger volumes exceeding 11 million in 2025.
“With 2024 closing at record levels and all indicators pointing to passenger volumes exceeding 11 million in 2025, air access remains a critical lever for tourism growth, job creation and economic opportunity. Tourism remains one of the most practical and powerful drivers of economic growth in Cape Town, and airport arrivals are among the clearest indicators of how our visitor economy is performing. “Tourism contributed R27.5 billion to our city’s economy in 2024 and supported 106 000 jobs.
We are determined to grow these numbers even further,” said Vos. Vos added that in 2024, Cape Town International Airport – consistently recognised as the best airport in Africa – processed approximately 10.4 million passengers, including a record three million international two-way travellers. “These numbers reflect the strength of Cape Town’s visitor economy, the success of our air access strategy, and the city’s growing appeal across key global markets. Looking ahead to 2025, while the Airport Company South Africa (ACSA) will release the official passenger figures in the coming weeks, I am personally holding thumbs that we will surpass the 11 million mark.
