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.
