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Cape Town Air Access (CTAA) recorded the highest-ever international passenger total in 2023, Cape {town} Etc reports.

The air-route development project powered by tourism, trade and investment promotion agency Wesgro held its seventh annual review on Tuesday, during which it revealed 20 months of continuous year-on-year growth in international passenger traffic to Cape Town International Airport (CTIA).

Also read: British Airways boosts Cape Town with daily flights from Heathrow

Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro and CTAA official spokesperson, said the number of routes established into Cape Town over the past three years surpassed the number achieved during the project’s first five years.

‘Since 2021, 16 airlines have initiated or announced 18 new routes to our destination. We have now witnessed 20 months of continuous year-on-year growth.

‘We have also recorded the highest-ever international passenger total in 2023, with over 2.8 two-way passengers making their way through our international airport.

‘We are committed to doing even more because air connectivity is a catalyst for economic growth and a driver of our region’s competitiveness.’

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This summer, passengers can also fly on the new route to Kasane via Air Botswana. In addition, Cape Town will welcome Norse Atlantic Airways, which will operate a seasonal service from London Gatwick.

Furthermore, three additional African route services covering existing destinations will be launched to Cape Town.

‘The expansion of existing routes is a cause for celebration because it means the business case for flying to Cape Town remains strong,’ said Dr Ivan Meyer, Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Economic, Development and Tourism.

‘This upcoming season will see 11 route expansions, contributing to 226 weekly international flights being operated to CTIA at the peak of the summer season. This is the highest total ever!

‘CTAA demonstrates the success that is possible when government and the private sector work together to achieve shared objectives. This is precisely what our Growth for Jobs Strategy has set out to achieve.’

These are some of CTAA’s partnership achievements:

  • Between 2015 and 2024, passengers to and from Africa increased by a compound annual growth rate of 10% per year to 556 000 two-way passengers
  • African passenger traffic increased by 13% to 425 000 two-way passengers during the first half of 2024 (compared to 2023)
  • CTIA witnessed a 23% year-on-year growth in air cargo, with over 31 000 tonnes transported during the first half of 2024

In terms of two-way passengers to CTIA, the top 10 destinations were:

  • The United Kingdom
  • The USA
  • Germany
  • Zimbabwe
  • Namibia
  • The Netherlands
  • The United Arab Emirates
  • France
  • Mauritius
  • India

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Picture: Yousef Alfuhigi / Unsplash

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