South African airports are demonstrating a steady recovery in passenger traffic. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) reported that over 20.5 million passengers were served in the 2025/26 financial year.
These figures are part of a strong financial year for ACSA, which manages nine major commercial airports in the country. The company generated revenue of R8.8 billion, an 11.6% increase compared to the previous year, and net profit rose by 5.2% to R1.2 billion.
These results come against the backdrop of ACSA's multi-billion rand program aimed at modernizing and expanding airport infrastructure across the nation.
Passenger Traffic Recovery and New Routes
ACSA notes that passenger numbers have recovered to 98% of pre-pandemic levels during the financial year. This recovery has been supported by increased flight frequencies, the use of larger aircraft, and the launch of new routes serviced by over 15 airlines. The total passenger traffic across the network grew by 8.5%, indicating the ongoing recovery of South Africa's aviation sector.
During the year, six new international routes were opened from Johannesburg, connecting the city with Perth, Algiers, Zanzibar, Nakala, Libreville, and Gaborone. This growth is significant for travelers as increased airline capacity and new connections open up more opportunities for both domestic travel and international holidays.
Infrastructure Modernization Investment Program
In the 2025/26 financial year, ACSA increased capital expenditure to R1.079 billion compared to R861 million in the previous year. These expenditures are part of a much larger investment program totaling R21.7 billion, covering infrastructure modernization across the entire airport network.
Several of South Africa's busiest airports will benefit from this program. Projects include terminal upgrades, runway modernization, construction of new gates, and facility expansions.
Johannesburg International Airport
Johannesburg International Airport is earmarked for major investments, including a new cargo terminal valued at R5.7 billion. This project is expected to be completed in the 2028/29 financial year. Furthermore, ACSA is working on plans for international bus gates and terminal renovations.
Cape Town International Airport
Cape Town International Airport is also scheduled for significant modernization. Plans include upgrading the international terminal, installing new contact gates for domestic arrivals and departures, and relocating the main runway. The runway project is part of broader airport investments intended to increase capacity and enhance operational resilience. Passengers using Cape Town International Airport should anticipate construction activity and changes in passenger flows as various projects commence.
Investments are not limited to South Africa's largest hubs. Expansions to terminals, parking improvements, and runway rehabilitation are planned at Chief David Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha. King Phalo Airport in East London has begun modernizing its departure hall and arrival area, while King Shaka International Airport in Durban is updating its Bravo taxiway and battery charging stations.
Additional investments are also allocated to regional airports, such as Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein, where ACSA is collaborating with the Mangaung Municipality to transform the airport into a larger regional center for tourism and logistics.
Airport Revenue Streams
The strong results were driven not only by passenger fees. ACSA reported aeronautical service revenue of R4.7 billion, while non-aeronautical revenue increased by 7.7% to R4.1 billion. This amount includes income from retail, real estate, parking, advertising, and car rentals.
Retail was the largest source among these non-aeronautical receipts, generating R1.4 billion, while property rentals accounted for R1.1 billion. Parking brought in R614 million, and car rentals contributed R430 million. These figures highlight the extensive nature of the airport experience, as shops, restaurants, parking, car rentals, and other services form a vital part of the country's aviation infrastructure.
As passenger numbers approach pre-pandemic levels and new routes are added, the South African airport network enters a period of expansion and modernization. The R21.7 billion investment program aims to support this growth while upgrading aging infrastructure and increasing capacity at several key points across the country. For travelers, these changes may ultimately mean more routes, improved airport amenities, and greater capacity as South Africa continues to strengthen its domestic and international connections.