Cape Town saw a massive increase in the arrival of international passengers, despite the city’s ongoing water crisis.
The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) unveiled their Aviation Barometer for the fourth quarter of 2017, which covers the months from October to December – the holiday season.
According to the Barometer, Cape Town International Airport saw a 13.85% increase in international arrivals during the fourth quarter compared to the same period in 2016. International departures also experienced growth, delivering an impressive 15.69%.
“A highlight of the peak holiday season was the continued extraordinary growth in international passengers at Cape Town International Airport. International arrivals went up by 13.85% and international departures experienced a 15.69% growth in the fourth quarter compared to the same period in 2016,” ACSA said.
The barometer, which is published on quarterly basis, is based “the count of passengers using the network of nine airports” which are owned (and managed) by ACSA.
The Mother City’s growth is surprising considering the ongoing water crisis which has had many citizens in a panic.
The Department of Water and Sanitation recently revealed that the Western Cape’s dam levels have dropped to 21%, with Theewaterskloof – the province’s biggest dam – sitting at 11.1% full.
Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell has urged citizens not to rely on the upcoming rainfall.
“The good news is we are nearing our expected rainfall season in the province and we are hopeful that we will be able to see the year through without any of our high-risk towns running out of drinking water. But the public must not be complacent – we cannot rely on rainfall. We still need to save water to keep pushing day zero out,” Bredell said.
Picture: Pixabay
