Exploring Cape Town Airport's Expansive Premises

Cape Town International Airport is located 20 kilometres from Cape Town's city centre and is the second busiest airport in South Africa. The airport has undergone several upgrades and extensions to accommodate increased air traffic and tourism, including a major upgrade in 2010 for the FIFA World Cup. Cape Town International Airport offers both domestic and international flights and has separate terminals for each, linked by a common central terminal. The airport has parking facilities for 6,000 vehicles and is accessible by road, with transport options including metered taxis, e-hailing services, and private shuttles.

Location and distance from Cape Town city centre

Cape Town International Airport is located approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the Cape Town city centre, in the Matroosfontein district of the city. It is accessible from the N2 freeway, with an Airport Approach Road connecting the airport to the freeway. The airport is situated near the foreshore and V&A waterfront area, where many tourist accommodations, activity hubs, and business centres are located.

The airport is the primary international airport serving Cape Town and is the second busiest airport in South Africa and the fourth busiest in Africa. It handles a large volume of passenger traffic, with approximately 6.2 million passengers per annum in 2004-2005, peaking at 8.4 million passengers in 2007-2008. The airport underwent a significant upgrade before the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with separate international and domestic terminals rebuilt and connected by a common central terminal.

Transport options to and from the airport include metered taxis, e-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt, private shuttle companies, and the MyCiti bus system. There is currently no direct rail access to the airport, but a proposed 4-kilometre rail link to Cape Town's suburban rail network is under consideration. The airport also offers parking facilities for nearly 6,000 vehicles, including multi-storey, shaded, and open car parks for both long- and short-term stays.

The airport features a wide range of amenities, including banks, ATMs, foreign exchange facilities, a post office, a prayer room, baggage wrapping and storage, and an information desk. The central terminal building has 120 check-in desks and 20 self-service kiosks to cater to the high volume of passengers. Additionally, there are two hotels located within the airport precinct: Hotel Verde and Road Lodge.

Transport options to and from the airport

Cape Town International Airport is the second-busiest airport in South Africa and the fourth busiest in Africa. It is located approximately 20 kilometres from the city centre and is accessible by road via the N2 freeway.

There are several transport options available to and from Cape Town International Airport. The airport is well-connected to the city centre, with a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the transport options available:

• Metered taxis: Metered taxis are widely available at the airport and can be found at the taxi rank on the ground floor of the Central Terminal building. A trip to the city centre typically costs between R300 and R400, although fees may vary. It is important to agree on the fee upfront, as some taxis charge a flat rate while others use a meter based on distance travelled.
• E-hailing services: E-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt offer convenient and affordable transport options to and from the airport.
• Private shuttle companies: Several private shuttle companies operate at the airport, offering door-to-door transfers. These can be booked in advance or on the same day.
• Car rental: Major car rental companies are represented at the airport, allowing visitors to hire a car and drive themselves to their destination.
• Public transport: The airport previously had a MyCiti bus station with a route to the city centre, but this service is no longer available. The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has proposed a rail link between the airport and the city's existing suburban rail network, but this has not yet been implemented.

History and previous names

Cape Town International Airport, located in the Matroosfontein district of Cape Town, is the only airport in the Cape Town metropolitan area that offers scheduled passenger services. The airport, which is approximately 20 kilometres (12 mi) from the city centre, is accessible from the N2 freeway. It is the second-busiest airport in South Africa and the fourth-busiest in Africa.

The airport opened in 1954, a year after Jan Smuts Airport (now O. R. Tambo International Airport) on the Witwatersrand, near Johannesburg, opened. The airport replaced Cape Town's previous airport, Wingfield Aerodrome, and was originally named D. F. Malan Airport after the then South African Prime Minister. The airport was initially named Bellville Airport due to its proximity to the town of the same name. However, at the request of the Bellville Federation of Taxpayers, the name was changed to D.F. Malan National Airport.

The airport soon achieved international status when direct flights to Britain were introduced, with a second flight to Britain via Johannesburg. In the early 1990s, with the fall of apartheid, ownership of the airport was transferred from the state to the newly formed Airports Company South Africa, and the airport was renamed to the politically neutral Cape Town International Airport. The airport experienced rapid growth in the following years as post-apartheid trade and tourism flourished, peaking at 8.4 million passengers per year in 2004-2005.

In preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the airport underwent extensive expansion and renovation, including the development of a Central Terminal Building at a cost of R1.6 billion. This new building linked the previously separate domestic and international terminals, providing a common check-in area. The airport has continued to undergo further extensions to accommodate the increasing demand for domestic and international travel.

Terminals and check-in facilities

Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) is the second-largest airport in South Africa and the third-largest airport in Africa. It is located approximately 20 kilometres (12 mi) from the city centre in the Matroosfontein district of the city. The airport was opened in 1954 and was originally named D. F. Malan Airport after the then South African Prime Minister.

The airport has two terminals – international and domestic. Both are linked to a large shared central terminal building, which some passengers may consider a third terminal. The central terminal building has 120 check-in desks and 20 self-service kiosks, catering for all international and domestic passengers in one place. The linked terminals allow for a common check-in area, which facilitates an easier experience for connecting flights. Passengers must first check in at the central terminal before proceeding to either the domestic or international terminal. The airport underwent a major upgrade in 2010, ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, during which the international and domestic terminals were rebuilt.

The airport has a wide array of facilities, including retail stores, services, restaurants, and duty-free shopping for travellers. These are located within the terminals at ground level, the second level, and the third level. The airport also offers prayer facilities, a drop-off area, a smoking area, and a viewing deck. Other services include banks, ATMs, foreign exchange facilities, a post office, a VAT refund point, pharmacies, and baggage wrapping and storage. The domestic and international terminals have VIP and airline lounges.

Transport to and from the airport is provided by metered taxis, e-hailing services (such as Uber and Bolt), various private shuttle companies, and car rentals. There is no direct rail access to the airport, but the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has proposed a 4 km (2.5 mi) rail link between the airport and Cape Town's existing suburban rail network.

Awards and recognition

Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) has received numerous awards and recognition over the years, solidifying its position as a significant air travel hub in Africa. Here is an overview of its awards and recognition:

Awards

• World Tourism Awards: In 2023, the airport won the prestigious 'Africa's Leading Airport' award at the World Tourism Awards ceremony in Dubai. This was the seventh time the airport had received this award.
• Airports Council International Airport Service Quality Awards (ACI-ASQ Awards): Cape Town Airport consistently ranked highly in these awards, placing second in the Middle East and Africa region in 2006, 2007, and 2013, and third in 2008 and 2016.
• World Airport Awards: CTIA was recognised as one of the World's Top 100 Airports for both 2023 and 2024.
• Best Airport Awards: The airport has received multiple accolades for being the 'Best Airport' in various categories.
• ACI Award for Best Improved Airport in Africa: Recognising the significant improvements and expansions undertaken by the airport.

Recognition

• CTIA is consistently ranked as the third-largest airport in Africa and the second-busiest airport in South Africa.
• The airport has experienced significant growth in passenger numbers, handling over 8 million passengers annually and serving as a hub for multiple international airlines.
• CTIA is recognised for its accessibility and inclusive design, providing a range of amenities and facilities to cater to the needs of all travellers, including those with disabilities.
• The airport has been expanded and renovated multiple times to accommodate increasing air traffic and improve the overall traveller experience.
• CTIA offers a wide range of services and facilities, including duty-free shopping, dining options, ATMs and currency exchange services, and family-friendly amenities.
• The airport is home to Hotel Verde, a four-star hotel recognised as 'Africa's greenest hotel'.

Frequently asked questions