Flying in to Cape Town International Airport

We are excited to welcome so many new travellers to Cape Town from around the world. Even after the festive rush, arrivals continue at a steady pace, and the atmosphere at Cape Town International Airport points to a city seeing steady international demand.

Cape Town has long attracted visitors for its scenery, food, culture, and outdoor living. What stands out now is the consistency of arrivals across the year, rather than travel concentrated into short peak periods.

A Strong Year, Reflected In Arrivals

In October 2025, the airport processed more than one million passengers in a single month. That milestone is typically associated with December travel, serving as a clear signal of sustained demand.

Looking at the bigger picture, Cape Town International airport recorded 11.1 million two-way passengers in 2025, the highest figure on record. Of these, 3.3 million were international travellers, with December alone seeing just under 364,000 international arrivals. Domestic travel remained strong, with 7.8 million two-way domestic passengers recorded for the year.

As we move through 2026, these confirmed figures are already shaping airline schedules, route planning, and continued investment in airport operations. For travellers, this means strong connectivity, frequent services, and an arrival experience designed to handle steady volumes rather than short bursts of activity.

This growth aligns with a broader strategy across the Western Cape to significantly expand tourism over the next decade, with a clear target to double tourism by 2035 as part of the province’s Jobs for Growth programme.

More ways to get here, more choice for travellers

Cape Town’s growing popularity has been matched by strong air access. Direct long-haul and regional routes link the city to major hubs across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

Connectivity continues to strengthen in 2026. Additional frequencies from Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines are supporting continued growth throughout the year.

launching in July 2026 with three flights per week. This marks the first direct South American connection to the city. In East Africa, Air Tanzania has introduced a triangular route linking Dar es Salaam, Victoria Falls, and Cape Town, opening new travel corridors across the region.

Direct services currently include:

Lufthansa from Munich and Frankfurt
Qatar Airways from Doha
British Airways from London
Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow
Air France from Paris
Norse Atlantic Airways, with morning arrivals
Proflight Zambia from Lusaka

Virgin Atlantic continues to operate a double overnight service between Cape Town and London Heathrow through April 2026. Air France has resumed its non-stop Paris route with increased frequencies during high-demand periods, including daily flights over the busiest weeks. For travellers, this translates into greater flexibility and easier planning.

Cape Town International Airport as the Gateway to the City

Cape Town International Airport is located about 20 kilometres from the city centre, the Foreshore, and the V&A Waterfront, placing most accommodation and activity hubs within straightforward reach.

All arrivals and departures move through a single, connected terminal. The airport operates 120 check-in desks and 20 self-service kiosks, all clearly signposted. Information counters are easy to find, and the layout feels intuitive after a long flight. Car rental desks are grouped together and simple to access, and accessibility features are well integrated throughout the building.

Practical facilities that support smooth arrivals

The airport is set up around what travellers actually need:

Vehicle rental agencies are grouped in the Transport Plaza, accessed via pedestrian subways from the terminal.
Accessibility features across all levels, including ramps, lifts, travelators, and wheelchair access, with staff available to assist
Shops and restaurants are distributed throughout the terminal to keep passenger flow moving during busy periods.

Useful tools for travel days

The Airports Company South Africa App is a helpful addition to any travel plan. It allows travellers to check parking rates, receive real-time flight updates, and connect with airport support services directly from their phones.

Looking ahead

Tourism growth across Cape Town and the Western Cape is being guided with a long-term view, with a clear aim to increase visitor numbers over the next decade while encouraging longer stays and broader exploration across the region.

For travellers, this means continued investment in air access, experiences, and infrastructure that make visits smoother and more rewarding. If you are flying into Cape Town now or planning a trip soon, expect a busy but well-managed arrival and a city that continues to welcome visitors with confidence.

The numbers coming through the airport confirm what many already know. Cape Town is one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, and it continues to earn that reputation every day.

Hosting Guests Beyond the Arrivals Hall

That steady flow of travellers through Cape Town International Airport shapes how we host guests on the ground. At The Oyster Collection, we see it every day. More international arrivals, more varied itineraries, and guests who want clear communication, reliable timing, and help with the practical details that matter when they arrive.

Many of our guests arrive after long-haul flights, often late in the evening or early in the morning. What they want next is simple. Clear transfers. A calm arrival. Someone who understands timing, jet lag, and the practical details that matter in the first 24 hours. That is where our hospitalitarian approach comes into play.

Our teams keep a close eye on flight schedules, seasonal travel patterns, and airport flow so arrivals are timed properly and handled without unnecessary delays.. From arranging transfers and early check-ins where possible to offering informed advice on how to pace the first few days, our focus stays on making the transition into Cape Town smooth.

As Cape Town attracts travellers year-round, hospitality needs to match that consistency. Thoughtful service, local knowledge, and attention to detail are what turn a busy destination into an enjoyable stay. That is the role we play, quietly supporting each journey once guests move beyond the arrivals hall and into the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Cape Town International Airport from the city?

Cape Town International Airport is about 20 kilometres from the city centre, the Foreshore, and the V&A Waterfront. Transfer times vary depending on traffic, but most travellers reach their accommodation within 25 to 40 minutes.

What is the easiest way to get from the airport to my hotel?

Private transfers and hotel-arranged transport offer the most straightforward option, especially after a long flight. The Oyster Collection arranges airport transfers for guests, ensuring a smooth arrival without the need to navigate car hire desks or ride-hailing pick-up points on your first day.

Is car hire available at Cape Town International Airport?

Yes. Multiple international and local car rental companies operate from the Transport Plaza, which is accessed via pedestrian subways from the terminal. This works well for travellers planning to explore beyond the city, including the Winelands or coastal routes.

Is the airport easy to navigate after a long flight?

Cape Town International Airport operates from a single, connected terminal where all check-ins take place. Clear signage, visible information counters, and a logical layout make it easy to move through arrivals, even during busy travel periods.

Does Cape Town International Airport cater for travellers with mobility needs?

The airport offers ramps, lifts, travelators, and wheelchair access throughout the terminal. Airport staff are available to assist, and facilities comply with national accessibility standards.

Should I arrange transfers in advance?

For international arrivals, advance arrangements reduce friction on arrival. Pre-booked transfers help avoid queues, delays, and uncertainty, particularly for evening or early-morning landings. Guests staying with The Oyster Collection can request transfers ahead of arrival, allowing the stay to begin calmly and without unnecessary logistics.

How can I book lounge access at Cape Town International Airport?

Lounge access can be booked directly through your airline if it is included with your ticket or loyalty status. Independent lounges, including the Bidvest Premier Lounge, also offer paid access. Passes can usually be purchased online in advance or at the lounge reception, subject to availability.

Are there luggage storage services available at Cape Town International Airport?

Cape Town International Airport does not offer a dedicated public luggage storage facility for short-term storage. Travellers with early arrivals or late departures often arrange luggage storage through their accommodation.

Where can I find currency exchange services at Cape Town International Airport?

Currency exchange services are available in both the arrivals and departures areas. These are operated by major foreign exchange providers and banks, making it easy to exchange cash or withdraw local currency shortly after landing. ATMs are also widely available throughout the terminal.