George Airport’s passenger numbers in July have equalled 2019 figures, following a drop experienced in June after the announcement of the Comair liquidation while Cape Town International Airport has recovered 87% of its international two-way passenger numbers.

In July, George Airport processed over 60 000 two-way passengers according to the latest report by Wesgro Cape Town Air Access, issued on Thursday.

During January to July 2022, over 433 000 two-way passengers travelled through the airport, which equates to a 63% growth in traffic compared to the same period in 2021.

International passenger performance at Cape Town International Airport continues to exceed expectations, with the international terminal recording an 87% two-way passenger recovery compared to the same period in 2019.

The domestic terminal saw a 68% two-way passenger recovery in July, compared to the same month in 2019, after dropping to 62% in June due to the Comair liquidation and the resultant capacity shortage in the domestic market.

For the first half of 2022 (January – July), the domestic terminal has seen over 3,4 million two-way passengers moving through the terminal, which equates to a growth of 60% when compared to 2021.

International terminal passengers grew at 373% compared to the first six months of 2021, with over 936 000 two-way passengers. 

This pronounced growth is due to the heavy lockdown restrictions that were still in effect in South Africa during 2021, and the limited international carrier services flying into the province during the period.

Air cargo update

The Western Cape’s total air cargo volumes for the first five months of 2022 (Jan-May) exceeded 21 000 metric tonnes, which is a notable growth of 42% when compared to the 14 960 metric tonnes traded in the same period of 2021.

During this period, air exports and imports have grown by 61% and 23%, respectively. When looking at the average split between the two, exports represent 56% and imports represent 44%. 

Overall growth in air cargo volumes from the Western Cape is therefore mostly driven by the notable growth in export volumes.