Cape Town International Airport has reached a significant milestone, processing over one million two-way passengers in March 2026, according to the latest Air Access report. This indicates a sustained boost to the local hospitality and service sectors, particularly at the tail end of the peak tourism season.
The international terminal handled over 331,000 passengers, a 3% year-on-year increase, while the domestic terminal saw an impressive 9% growth with over 737,000 passengers. The growth is noteworthy, especially considering the significant geopolitical disruptions in the Gulf region that temporarily affected connectivity.
Regional Airports Benefit
George Airport proved to be a standout performer, processing over 83,000 passengers during the same period. The continued expansion of regional routes ensures that the benefits of the tourism and business travel boom are felt across the Garden Route and beyond, as explained by Noko Masipa, DA Western Cape spokesperson on Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, who notes that the Western Cape government is working to position the region as a year-round destination.
Impact on Local Economies
The swift return to capacity by major carriers, such as Emirates and Qatar Airways, highlights the global confidence in the Western Cape as a premier destination. The fact that over one million passengers were recorded at the tail end of the traditional season is a clear sign that efforts to promote the Western Cape as a year-round destination are paying off. This growth directly supports the Growth for Jobs strategy, ensuring a steady flow of investment and tourism into regional economies.
Some key points to note about the airport’s performance include:
- Over 1 million two-way passengers were processed in March 2026
- A 3% year-on-year increase in international terminal passengers
- A 9% growth in domestic terminal passengers
- George Airport processed over 83,000 passengers
As the Western Cape continues to attract tourists and business travelers, it is essential to consider the impact on local economies and the role of airports in facilitating this growth, as seen in the latest statistics from Statistics South Africa.
