The Western Cape’s story of excellence is written not only on land and sea but also in the skies. In September, Cape Town Air Access (CTAA), powered by Wesgro, celebrated ten years of transforming the province into one of Africa’s most connected aviation hubs. What began in 2015 as a response to limited international connections has become a world-class example of partnership, vision, and resilience.
In just a decade, CTAA has delivered results few thought possible. Cape Town International Airport now serves 24 international airlines, flying to 35 routes and 30 destinations worldwide. The number of inbound flights has nearly doubled, while two-way seat capacity has soared to 3.8 million—38% above 2019 levels. Direct flights to New York, Washington D.C., and Atlanta have firmly placed Cape Town on the global stage, with cargo volumes also climbing to record highs.
Unlocking Opportunities Through Partnerships
This growth has been about more than numbers; it has been about unlocking opportunities. “Cape Town Air Access is one of the most successful public-private partnerships in South Africa,” said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. “Every new route means more tourists in our hotels, more exports in our cargo holds, and more business deals being signed in our city.”
Over the past decade, international passenger traffic has grown by 80%, with 2024 marking the first year that the international terminal surpassed three million two-way passengers. International arrivals have risen at an average of 7% annually, far outpacing national growth rates, while cruise and trade sectors have felt the ripple effects of greater global visibility. For Dr. Ivan Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, the message is clear: “CTAA has become a benchmark for inclusive economic growth, showing what can be achieved when strong partnerships are backed by a clear vision.”
As CTAA looks to the next decade, its ambition is to expand deeper into Asia and North America, strengthen Africa’s network, and cement Cape Town as the natural southern gateway to the continent. The Western Cape’s champions are not just taking flight—they are soaring into the future.
