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    Cape Town, 7490

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    24/7

  • Contact:

    +2721 937 1200

Statistics

Cape Town’s Aviation Pulse: A Deep Dive into Airport Statistics

An Expert Analysis of Passenger and Aircraft Trends at CPT

The Ebb and Flow of Travelers: Passenger Insights

The journey of Cape Town International Airport (CPT) as a premier global hub is best told through its passenger statistics. Our in-depth analysis, based on trusted data from the Airports Company South Africa, reveals a compelling narrative of growth, resilience, and recovery. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the people who walk our terminals and the trust they place in our services.

From a bustling 8.3 million passengers in FY12/13, we witnessed a remarkable ascent to a peak of nearly 11 million in FY19/20, a testament to the airport’s growing international acclaim. The subsequent dip to 8.1 million in FY21/22 reflects a challenging period for global travel, yet the data also highlights our robust recovery efforts. These authoritative figures underscore our commitment to providing a world-class experience that keeps travelers coming back.

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The Rhythm of the Runways: Aircraft Movement Analysis

The heartbeat of any airport is its aircraft movements—the continuous stream of takeoffs and landings that connect us to the world. A look at the data for CPT showcases our operational expertise and the confidence airlines place in our infrastructure.

In FY17/18, at the height of our passenger traffic, we managed over 102,000 flight movements. This incredible volume demonstrates our capacity to handle a demanding schedule with precision and efficiency. Even as the aviation landscape shifted, our runways remained active, with nearly 68,000 movements in FY21/22. This expert coordination ensures that whether you’re flying for business or leisure, your journey through Cape Town is seamless and reliable.

This analysis is compiled from comprehensive reports provided by Airports Company South Africa, offering a transparent and trustworthy perspective on our performance. We are dedicated to maintaining this standard of excellence and sharing our progress with our valued passengers and partners.

Travel Tips

Your Essential Travel Guide

Your Safety and Security: A Traveler’s Priority

Your safety is paramount. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth and secure journey.

  • Restricted Items: To ensure the safety of everyone on board, please refrain from packing any sharp or dangerous objects in your carry-on luggage. This includes items such as knives, toy weapons, pepper spray, razor blades, and tools like screwdrivers or corkscrews.
  • Baggage Awareness: Always keep your hand luggage with you. Never leave your bags unattended, and be cautious about carrying items for others. If you see any suspicious packages or unattended baggage, please report it immediately to airport security or a police officer.
  • Traveling with Gifts: If you’re carrying gifts, it’s best to leave them unwrapped. Security personnel may need to inspect them, and this will save you the trouble of having to unwrap them at the checkpoint.

Navigating the Airport: Porters and Special Assistance

We’re here to make your airport experience as seamless as possible.

  • Porter Services: At OR Tambo International Airport, you can find porters in bright orange uniforms in all terminals and at the drop-off zones. They are self-employed, so a tip of around R20 per luggage item is a recommended way to show your appreciation for their service.
  • Special Needs: If you or a travel companion requires special assistance due to mobility restrictions, please contact your airline or the airport’s Information Desk. It’s recommended to make these arrangements at least 48 hours before your flight. For assistance at the airport, you can also call the Landside hotline at +27 (0) 21 935 3737.

Luggage Logistics: What to Pack and Where

Understanding baggage rules is key to a hassle-free check-in and boarding process.

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General Restrictions

Certain items are not allowed in either checked or carry-on baggage due to safety regulations. These include anything that could endanger the aircraft, its passengers, or property, as outlined in the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

Checked Baggage

It’s best to avoid packing fragile, perishable, or valuable items in your checked luggage. This includes money, jewelry, computers, personal electronics, important documents, and any essential medication or medical equipment. House and car keys, as well as car parts, should also be kept with you.

Carry-On Baggage

For your carry-on, be mindful of the following restrictions: explosives (like fireworks), knives of any kind, metal cutlery, razor blades, tools, darts, scissors, and sporting equipment like bats and clubs are not permitted. Knitting needles and hypodermic needles (unless for medical use with a doctor’s note) are also prohibited.

Carry-On Luggage Dimensions

While exact dimensions can vary by airline, a general guideline for carry-on luggage is around 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Many airlines also allow for a smaller personal item, such as a laptop bag or handbag. Always check with your specific airline for their current regulations to avoid any surprises at the airport.

International Flights: Liquids and Medication

  • Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs): When flying internationally, all liquids, aerosols, and gels in your carry-on must be in containers of 100ml or less. These containers should be placed in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag with a total capacity of no more than one liter. Each passenger is allowed one of these bags.
  • Medication: If you’re traveling with medication, keep it in its original packaging and bring a copy of your prescription. This will help with a smooth security screening process.
Cape Town’s Sky-High Luxury: The Dreamliner

The Sky’s the Limit: How the Dreamliner is Redefining Luxury Travel in Cape Town

There’s a new titan in the skies above Table Mountain, and it’s changing the way we think about travel. The arrival of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Cape Town isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a revolution in comfort and class, connecting the Mother City to the globe like never before.

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A Warm Welcome for a World-Class Aircraft

Cape Town Airport recently rolled out the red carpet, becoming the first city in Africa to welcome the prestigious Turkish Airlines 787-9 Dreamliner. This vote of confidence from a major international carrier signals Cape Town’s rising status as a top-tier global destination. City officials have celebrated the move, highlighting the immense potential for boosting both tourism and business travel between Cape Town and the rest of the world. The Dreamliner, with its impressive capacity and passenger-focused design, is perfectly poised to meet this growing demand.

What’s the Big Deal About the Dreamliner?

So, what does this mean for you, the traveler? It means a better journey from takeoff to touchdown. The Dreamliner isn’t just an airplane; it’s an experience engineered for human comfort.

  • A Quieter, Smoother Ride: Built with advanced vibration isolation and lighter composite materials, the cabin is noticeably quieter, turning the usual roar of a long-haul flight into a gentle hum.
  • Breathe Easier, Arrive Refreshed: The aircraft boasts better air filtration and higher cabin humidity. This simple change means you feel less fatigue and dryness, helping to fight off the dreaded jet lag.
  • A Window to the World: The Dreamliner features extra-large, dimmable windows, giving every passenger a better view and greater control over their personal lighting.

Next-Level Comfort in Every Class

Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, the Dreamliner offers a superior level of comfort. The aircraft seats 300 passengers, with 270 in Economy and 30 in a truly exceptional Business Class.

For those in Business Class, the experience is elevated to new heights. Imagine settling into a seat with an expansive 44 inches of legroom, which then converts into a fully flat, 76-inch bed. The seats are trimmed with a luxurious, suede-like Alcantara padding, creating a private cocoon of comfort in the sky.

Connecting the Cape to New Horizons

Turkish Airlines now services the route between Cape Town and Istanbul four times a week, providing a vital and luxurious link to Europe and Asia. This new service is a testament to the airline’s commitment to the South African market and their belief in Cape Town’s future.

The arrival of the Dreamliner is more than just good news for travelers. It’s a powerful engine for economic growth, making Cape Town more accessible and appealing than ever. It solidifies the city’s place on the world stage, not just as a tourist hotspot, but as a major hub for international travel and commerce.

Your Journey Awaits

The future of travel has landed in Cape Town. Are you ready to be a part of it? Experience the difference for yourself on your next adventure.

Book Your Dream Flight Today