Johannesburg – Good news in the South African aviation industry has been difficult to come in recent years, but it has finally changed. After turbulence, the sky is open again. The number of passengers has risen, the flights are full and confidence in air travel is back.
According to Wesgro, Cape Town International Airport set a new record in 2024, welcoming 3 million two-way international passengers. Johannesburg or Tambo International remains the busiest hub in the country, serving around 21 million passengers a year. King Shaka International in Durban is growing steadily, with over 2.8 million travelers passing through the terminal.
And the good news doesn't stop there. More improvements are ongoing – bringing better connections and smoother journeys for business travelers. Here are some of the things set up to make flights in South Africa even better:
ACSA profits indicate smoother business trips
After years of economic struggle, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has finally turned the corner. From the loss of R2.5 billion in 2019/20, the state-owned enterprise recorded a profit of R400 million on 24/2023.
Mummy Maphojang, the productive operational leader at FCM, says this financial shift can improve airport facilities, streamline operations and reduce congestion at key hubs. “The stronger ACSA could also attract more airlines and create new regional and international routes to benefit business travelers,” she says.
ACSA recovery is a step in the right direction. Now it's about moving forward with the interests of travelers.
South Africa's sleeper airport is awake
If you're a business traveler tired of traffic and tambo crowds, you're lucky – Lanseria International Airport is making a big move to become a serious player on South African aviation. It was already the fourth busiest airport in the country, and in 2022/23 it handled nearly 2.5 million passengers. With plans to more than double the traffic volume of 6 million people by 2027 and a bold vision to hit 18 million people by 2050, Lanseria is preparing for major transformation.
And it's not just about moving more people. Recent ownership changes have unlocked major investments in business-friendly upgrades. Improved world-class cargo districts, cutting-edge maintenance, repairs, and overhaul facilities, and fixed base operations for private and corporate jet travel. Is it even bigger? Lanseria could expand its footprint across Africa and open new business travel routes.
For frequent flyers, this means more flight options, better facilities, and a powerful alternative to South Africa's larger busy airports.
Stellenbosch Airport plummets to the photo
For business travelers entering and leaving the Western Cape, the second major airport could mean less delays, better connectivity and a smoother travel experience, Mafojane said. Cape Wineland Airport (CWA), which is scheduled to open by 2027, has placed itself as an alternative to Cape Town International.
Built on the current Fisantekraal airport site, the CWA invests R7 billion in a 3.5km runway that can handle A380 (the world's largest commercial passenger aircraft), cutting-edge terminals and upgraded road access It is on sale. By 2030, it aims to handle 2 million passengers, growing to 5 million by 2050.
“The second major airport in the Western Cape could mean increased competition between airlines, which often lead to improved schedules and pricing,” Mafojane said. . She also considers the possibility of an increase in “Briaa” travel, as experts are easily accessible to access to one of the country's most desirable destinations.
By attracting increased investment and talent migration from other states, the CWA will help reshape how business is done in South Africa.
Route extension places more destination options in the table
The influx of new international and regional flight routes will provide business travelers with more options than ever before.
Last year, Air France resumed and strengthened services in Paris and Cape towns. Air Botswana connected Gaboron to King Shakahaub in Durban, Zambia linked Livingston and Cape Town, while Fly Sapphire grabbed the sky between Cape Town and Windhook. The North Atlantic and Luftansa staked their claims on the routes of Gatwick-Cape Town and Munich and Cape towns in favor of London, respectively.
Because of its proximity to home, SAA has boosted the frequencies from Johannesburg or Tambo airports to Perth and Harare. Even the British flagship carrier has British Airways added seasonal daily service from Heathrow to Cape Town.
There will be more in 2025. Qantas is reopening its Johannesburg and Perth routes, but Airlink will launch its brand new Cape Town, Gaborone Connection, in April.
Music to the ears of business travelers and travel management companies seeking to manage travel expenses, according to Mafojane. “The influx of new routes will increase connectivity while encouraging competition between airlines, which could lead to lower fares. This network with more scheduling options will be a factor that will be a major factor in business travellers. It also increases flexibility.”
