Cape Town International Emerges as South Africa’s Leading Gateway for Outbound Travel in 2025

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is emerging as a preferred gateway for SA outbound travel, with a growing share of outbound travellers choosing to depart from CAPE town rather than OR Tambo International Airport (JNB). This is according to the latest Tourism Trends report by BDO which highlights the increase in arrivals at both airports.

Although air access in Cape Town has increased, this has been to the detriment of JNB. The report revealed that there had not been an increase in the number of international air arrivals to South Africa, just a shift from JNB to CPT.

For the full year 2024, JNB achieved 73% of 2019 overseas arrivals, while CPT achieved 3% growth on 2019 numbers. For the first seven months of 2025, arrivals through CPT were up 21% on the same period in 2019 and 5% up on 2024. JNB ended the seven-month period 21% behind 2019 and 9% up on the same period in 2024.

“Direct flights have seen a bigger demand, prompting some airlines to operate year-round or add frequencies. In some cases, foreign airlines are now bypassing JNB altogether, flying straight into CPT,” said Sharon Schierhout, Head of Supply at Club Travel.

The shift to CPT

The BDO report highlights a shift towards Cape Town for international arrivals. Some industry experts have noted South Africans beginning to opt for CPT over JNB when schedules and budgets allow, citing shorter journey times and fewer logistical hurdles.

“Passenger preference is shifting – especially among travellers who want a smoother, more pleasant airport experience. CPT is smaller and more efficient, easier to get through immigration and security and closer to the city. OR Tambo, while still the hub and busiest airport, can be overwhelming,” said Schierhout.

She said layovers could add between three and six hours to travel time. “It is more convenient as there’s no need to re-check baggage and less risk of missed connections.

“Cape Town is on a strong upward trajectory, and while it may not match OR Tambo’s volumes, it is becoming the preferred point for many. With sustained demand and support from the private sector, Wesgro, and Acsa, airport upgrades are not just necessary — they’re inevitable,” said Schierhout.

JNB holds firm

Jonathan Gerber, CEO of Tag Travel, believes that there has not been a shift away from JNB. “Most of the South African air traffic still departs from JNB. It has not lost flights to CPT. However, CPT has done well in attracting foreign carriers into Cape Town as a destination.”

He said from an outbound perspective there hadn’t been any change. “What you are seeing is an active recruitment drive by Cape Town (Wesgro) to attract foreign aircraft, knowing that they will bring international visitors with them. It is becoming more competitive but JNB remains the hub for African, domestic and other connectivity.”

Schierhout notes that JNB generally offers more competitive fares. “Carriers know CPT direct flights are in high demand, so they can price those tickets higher, especially in peak seasons, which are also impacted by the limited slots. JNB often has cheaper fares due to higher seat capacity and often bigger aircraft, which creates more competition on routes. Also, airlines funnel traffic through JNB, allowing them to offer better fares via connections,” said Schierhout.