South Africa’s airports are seeing a strong recovery in passenger numbers, with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) reporting more than 20.5 million passengers during the 2025/26 financial year.
Image used for illustrative purposes/By: Bloomberg/Getty Images
The figures form part of a strong financial year for ACSA, which operates the country’s nine principal commercial airports. The company recorded revenue of R8.8 billion, an 11.6% increase from the previous year, while its net profit rose by 5.2% to R1.2 billion.
The results also come as ACSA moves ahead with a multibillion-rand programme aimed at upgrading and expanding airport infrastructure across the country.
Passenger numbers are nearing pre-pandemic levels
ACSA says passenger numbers recovered to 98% of pre-pandemic levels during the financial year, supported by increased flight frequencies, larger aircraft and new routes operated by more than 15 airlines.
Passenger throughput across the network increased by 8.5%, signalling continued recovery in South Africa’s aviation sector.
Six new international routes were also launched from Johannesburg during the year, connecting the city with Perth, Algiers, Zanzibar, Nacala, Libreville and Gaborone.
The growth is significant for travellers, as increased airline capacity and new connections can open up more options for both domestic trips and international holidays.
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Billions are being invested in airport upgrades
ACSA increased its capital expenditure to R1.079 billion during 2025/26, up from R861 million the previous year.
The spending forms part of a much larger R21.7 billion investment programme covering infrastructure upgrades across the airport network.
Several of South Africa’s busiest airports are set to benefit from the programme, with projects ranging from terminal improvements and runway upgrades to new gates and expanded facilities.
O.R. Tambo International Airport
Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport is earmarked for major investment, including a new cargo terminal estimated to cost R5.7 billion.
The project is expected to be completed during the 2028/29 financial year. ACSA is also working on plans for international bussing gates and terminal refurbishments.
Cape Town International Airport
Cape Town International Airport is also in line for significant upgrades.
Planning includes an international terminal upgrade, new domestic arrival and departure contact gates and a realigned main runway.
The runway project forms part of the broader investment in the airport and is intended to increase capacity and improve operational resilience.
Travellers using Cape Town International Airport should therefore expect construction activity and changes to passenger flows as various projects get underway.
Regional airports will also benefit
The investment is not limited to South Africa’s biggest hubs.
At Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha, planned work includes terminal extensions, parking improvements and runway rehabilitation.
King Phalo Airport in East London has initiated upgrades to its departure lounge and arrivals area, while King Shaka International Airport in Durban is upgrading its Bravo taxiway and battery-charging facilities.
Further investment is also planned at regional airports such as Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein, where ACSA and the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality are working towards transforming the airport into a larger regional tourism and logistics hub.
More airport revenue is coming from travellers
The strong results were not driven by passenger charges alone.
ACSA reported R4.7 billion in aeronautical revenue, while non-aeronautical revenue increased by 7.7% to R4.1 billion. This includes income from retail, property, parking, advertising and car hire.
Retail was the largest contributor among these non-aeronautical streams, generating R1.4 billion, while property rentals brought in R1.1 billion. Parking generated R614 million and car rentals contributed R430 million.
The figures highlight just how much of the airport experience extends beyond simply catching a flight, with shops, restaurants, parking, car hire and other services forming an important part of the country’s aviation infrastructure.
A growing network for travellers
With passenger numbers approaching pre-pandemic levels and new routes being added, South Africa’s airport network is entering a period of expansion and modernisation.
The R21.7 billion investment programme is expected to support this growth while upgrading ageing infrastructure and increasing capacity at several of the country’s key gateways.
For travellers, the changes could ultimately mean more routes, improved airport facilities and greater capacity as South Africa continues to strengthen its domestic and international connections.
Source: TopAuto, with information from ACSA’s 2025/26 Integrated Annual Report.
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