South African airports have nearly returned to pre-Covid passenger levels as Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) ramps up investment and operations ahead of the peak season following a period of significant financial recovery.
Based on the last highest point in 2019/20 before the pandemic, Acsa reports it recovered to 19.3-million passengers in the winter 2025/26 season, representing a 99% recovery in passenger traffic across domestic and international routes.
Its three largest airports also saw strong growth in departing passengers, with OR Tambo handling 5.79-million, up 9%; Cape Town International 3.07- million, also up 9%; and King Shaka International 1.62-million, up 13%.
Acsa expects the busiest days of the peak season to see 132,473 departing passengers on December 12 (1,210 flights), 132,965 on December 19 (1,217 flights), and 132,275 on January 2 (1,205 flights), highlighting the need for co-ordinated operations to ensure smooth travel.
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