Johannesburg – Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) reports a “highly successful performance” during the 2025 peak travel period, capping off a bustling festive season with substantial growth in passenger volumes.
ACSA on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, revealed that its network processed 4 013 823 passengers in December 2025, achieving 98% recovery to pre-pandemic levels and an 8% year-on-year increase in total traffic.
“This strong rebound was driven by the restoration of key international routes, new airline entrants, and increased flight frequencies,” ACSA said in a statement made available to The Bulrushes.
“Notably, the network experienced its busiest day on 12 December 2025, processing 143 135 passengers and recording 1 352 air traffic movements.
“O.R. Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, and King Shaka International Airport all exceeded their traffic projections, showcasing the network’s resilience and operational efficiency.”
ACSA said its infrastructure performed admirably throughout the peak period, supported by a comprehensive resource plan that allowed the network to handle a significant increase in both passenger volumes and aircraft movements.
Additionally, operational challenges such as weather disruptions were managed swiftly to minimize the impact on passengers.
On-Time Performance
“While operational flow remained seamless, the network’s On-Time Performance (OTP) averaged 77.5%, against a target of 88.5%,” the statement said.
“This variance was primarily driven by external factors, specifically severe inclement weather in Europe, which delayed incoming international aircraft.
“Domestic flights showed greater resilience with a 79% OTP, compared to 71% for international flights.”
Looking ahead, ACSA said it remains focused on recovering its pre-pandemic position while diversifying its revenue streams to mitigate risks in the aviation sector.
While passenger traffic in South Africa is expected return to 2019 levels, the financial health and stability of the industry have shown significant improvement, as evidenced by the recovery in profitability.
The travel sector has been marked by persistent demand.
ACSA said it was optimistic about the future.
ACSA added that it looks forward to continued growth in passenger and cargo traffic during the financial year (FY 2026/27) and was “especially excited” about the anticipated expansion of international routes, the addition of new airlines, and the ongoing commitment to excellence.
These developments were expected to propel ACSA towards the set goals in the year ahead.
Two airports in the ACSA network also saw record-breaking passenger numbers for 2025, namely Cape Town International Airport, which reached 11 113 490 passengers, and George Airport, reaching 911 354.
ACSA’s Path Forward
Looking ahead, ACSA said it remains steadfast in its commitment to elevating the passenger experience and proactively investing in infrastructure upgrades, digital innovations, and operational enhancements to accommodate anticipated traffic growth across its network.
This aligns with ACSA’s ongoing pursuit of operational excellence, ensuring that every journey through the network meets the high standards passengers expect.
ACSA extended its deepest gratitude to all employees, airline partners, ground handlers, fuel suppliers, and valued passengers for their patience, partnership, and unwavering support during this busy period.
“We eagerly anticipate deepened collaboration and shared successes throughout 2026 and beyond,” ACSA stated.
