Good news in South Africa’s airline industry has been hard to come by in recent years – but that’s finally changing. After a turbulent period, the skies are opening up again. Passenger numbers are climbing, flights are fuller, and confidence in air travel is returning.
Cape Town International Airport set a new record in 2024, welcoming three million two-way international passengers – 10% more than in 2023, according to Wesgro. Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International remains the country’s busiest hub, handling around 21 million passengers annually. Durban’s King Shaka International is seeing steady growth, with more than 2.8 million travellers passing through its terminals.
And the good news doesn’t stop there. More improvements are on the way, bringing better connections and smoother journeys for business travellers. Here’s what’s set to improve flying in South Africa.
Acsa’s profit signals smoother business travel
After years of financial struggles, Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has finally turned a corner. From a R2.5 billion loss in 2019/20, the state-owned entity has posted a R400 million profit for 2023/24 – good news for business travellers relying on efficient, well-run airports.
FCM Productive Operations Leader Mummy Mafojane says this financial turnaround could improve airport facilities, streamline operations, and reduce congestion at major hubs. “A stronger Acsa may also attract more airlines, creating new regional and international routes to benefit business travellers,” she says.
Acsa’s recovery is a step in the right direction – now it’s about turning profit into progress for travellers.
South Africa’s sleeper airport is waking up
If you’re a business traveller tired of the congestion at OR Tambo, you’re in luck – Lanseria International Airport is making big moves to become a serious player in South African aviation. Already the country’s fourth-busiest airport, it handled nearly 2.5 million passengers in 2022/23. With plans to more than double passenger traffic to 6 million by 2027 – and a bold vision of hitting 18 million by 2050 – Lanseria is gearing up for a major transformation.
And it’s not just about moving more people. Recent ownership changes are unlocking major investment in business-friendly upgrades: a world-class cargo precinct, a cutting-edge Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility, and improved Fixed Base Operations for private and corporate jet travel. Even bigger? Lanseria plans to expand its footprint across Africa, potentially opening up new business travel routes.
For frequent flyers, this means more flight options, better facilities, and a strong alternative to South Africa’s larger, busier airports.
A Stellenbosch airport swoops into the picture
For business travellers flying in and out of the Western Cape, a second major airport could mean fewer delays, better connections, and a smoother travel experience, says Mummy. The Cape Winelands Airport (CWA), set to open by 2027, is positioning itself as an alternative to Cape Town International.
Built on the current Fisantekraal Airport site, CWA is launching with a R7 billion investment in a 3.5km runway capable of handling A380s (the world’s largest commercial passenger aircraft), a state-of-the-art terminal, and upgraded road access. By 2030, it aims to handle two million passengers – growing to five million by 2050.
“A second major airport in the Western Cape could mean more competition between airlines – which often leads to better schedules and pricing,” says Mummy. She also sees potential for increased ‘bleisure’ travel as professionals take advantage of easier access to one of the country’s most desirable destinations.
With the Western Cape attracting growing investment and talent migration from other provinces, CWA could help reshape how, and where, business gets done in South Africa.
Route expansion puts more destination options on the table
An influx of new international and regional flight routes will give business travellers more options than ever before.
Last year, Air France resumed and ramped up its Paris-Cape Town service. Air Botswana connected Gaborone with Durban’s King Shaka hub, Proflight Zambia linked Livingstone with Cape Town and FlySafair took to the skies between Cape Town and Windhoek. Norse Atlantic and Lufthansa staked claims on the lucrative London Gatwick-Cape Town and Munich-Cape Town routes, respectively.
Closer to home, SAA boosted frequencies to Perth and Harare from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport. Even Britain’s flagship carrier got in on the action, with British Airways adding a seasonal daily service from Heathrow to Cape Town.
And there’s more to come in 2025 – Qantas is relaunching its Johannesburg-Perth route, while Airlink will kick off a brand-new Cape Town-Gaborone connection in April.
Music to the ears of business travellers and travel management companies trying to manage travel costs says Mummy. “The influx of new routes boosts connectivity while fueling competition among airlines – which could lead to lower fares. With more scheduling options, the expanding network also provides business travellers with greater flexibility.”
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