Lois Larson
Cape Town International Airport (IATA: CPT, ICAO: FACT) is the primary airport serving Cape Town, South Africa. It is located approximately 20 kilometres (12 mi) from the city centre and is the only airport in the Cape Town metropolitan area that offers scheduled passenger services. The airport has undergone several extensions to accommodate increasing air traffic and tourist influx, including a major expansion in 2010 for the FIFA World Cup. With direct flights to destinations across Africa and the rest of the world, Cape Town International Airport is a significant gateway to South Africa and the African continent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Cape Town International Airport |
| Location | 20 km (12 miles) east of Cape Town City Centre |
| Coordinates | 33°58'10"S 18°35'50"E |
| Altitude | 46 meters (151 feet) above mean sea level |
| Transport | Metered taxis, e-hailing services (Uber, Bolt), private shuttle companies |
| Parking | 5 car parks |
| Terminals | 1 central terminal building connecting north and south terminals |
| Check-in | 120 desks, 20 self-service kiosks |
| Accolades | Second place in ACI-ASQ Awards for Middle East and Africa in 2006, 2007, and 2013 |
| Passengers | 8.4 million passengers per annum in 2007-2008 |
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Location and transport
Cape Town International Airport (CPT/FACT) is the primary airport serving Cape Town, South Africa. It is located approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the city centre and is accessible from the N2 freeway, with Airport Approach Road providing a direct link from the freeway (at exit 16) to the airport. The airport's GPS coordinates are 33°58'10"S 18°35'50"E, and it sits 46 metres (151 feet) above mean sea level.
The airport has undergone several renovations and extensions to accommodate increasing air traffic and tourist influx, including in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It features a central terminal building that connects the north and south terminals, where all check-ins take place across 120 desks and 20 self-service kiosks. Cape Town International Airport offers world-class duty-free shopping, fast-casual dining options, mobile phone kiosks, forex exchange outlets, and high-tech processing and security.
Transport to and from the airport is readily available through metered taxis, e-hailing services (such as Uber and Bolt), and private shuttle companies. There are five car parks within the airport precinct, and car hire services are also available for those with a valid driver's license. It is important to note that there is no direct rail access to the airport.
Cape Town International Airport is of immense strategic importance as the southernmost point of aerial entry into South Africa and the African continent. It is the second busiest airport in South Africa and the fourth busiest in Africa, handling millions of passengers annually.
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History
Cape Town International Airport, located approximately 20 kilometres (12 mi) from the city centre, is the primary international airport serving the city of Cape Town. It is the second-busiest airport in South Africa and the fourth busiest in Africa.
The airport opened in 1954, replacing the Wingfield Aerodrome. It was originally named D.F. Malan Airport, after the then South African Prime Minister, Daniel François Malan.
With the fall of apartheid in the early 1990s, ownership of the airport was transferred from the state to the newly formed Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). The airport was also renamed to the politically neutral Cape Town International Airport. South African Airways launched a route to Miami in December 1992, and in January 2000, this was replaced with a flight to Atlanta.
The airport saw tremendous growth in the early 2000s. From handling 6.2 million passengers per annum in 2004-05, it peaked at 8.4 million passengers per annum in 2007-08. The airport underwent a major upgrade in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with separate international and domestic terminals rebuilt, separated by a common central terminal to handle all flight check-ins. The airport won second place in the Airports Council International Airport Service Quality Awards (ACI-ASQ Awards) for the Middle East and Africa in 2006, 2007 and 2013.
The airport has continued to undergo extensions to increase domestic and international arrivals and departures, amenities, and parking. An even more expansive runway is under construction to accommodate larger aircraft.
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Amenities and services
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is located 20 kilometres (12 miles) east of Cape Town's city centre. It is the primary international airport serving the city of Cape Town and is the second busiest airport in South Africa and fourth busiest in Africa.
Cape Town International Airport offers a range of amenities and services to cater to the needs of travellers. Here are some of the key amenities and services available:
- High-tech processing and security: The airport boasts high-tech processing and security measures that exceed international standards, ensuring efficient and secure travel.
- Duty-free shopping: World-class duty-free shopping options are available, offering a wide range of products for travellers to browse and purchase.
- Dining: A variety of fast-casual dining restaurants are located within the airport, providing travellers with convenient dining options before their flights.
- Mobile phone kiosks and forex exchange outlets: These essential amenities are readily available, allowing travellers to stay connected and manage their foreign exchange needs.
- Car hire: Car rental services are offered at the airport, providing travellers with the convenience of renting a vehicle upon their arrival. A valid driver's license is required for car hire.
- Transport services: Transport to and from the airport is readily available, including metered taxis, e-hailing services (such as Uber and Bolt), and private shuttle companies.
- Parking: The airport has five car parks within its precinct, offering convenient parking options for travellers. Booking parking in advance is also possible through the airport's website.
- Terminal facilities: Cape Town International Airport has a central terminal building that connects the north and south terminals. This central terminal is where all check-ins take place, with 120 check-in desks and 20 self-service kiosks available for efficient processing.
- Accessibility: The airport is accessible from the N2 freeway, with the Airport Approach Road providing a direct link between the N2 (at exit 16) and the airport.
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Awards
Cape Town International Airport (IATA: CPT, ICAO: FACT) is the primary airport serving Cape Town, South Africa. It is located approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the city centre and is accessible from the N2 freeway. The airport features high-tech processing, top-notch security, world-class duty-free shopping, a variety of dining options, and other amenities such as mobile phone kiosks and forex exchange outlets.
Cape Town International Airport has been recognised and acclaimed through numerous awards over the years. Here is a list of some of the notable awards and achievements:
- Skytrax World Airport Awards: In 2023, Cape Town International Airport was crowned the "Best Airport in Africa" for the eighth consecutive time at the prestigious Skytrax World Airport Awards. This award recognised the airport's outstanding standards, level of service, and world-class tourism facilities. In 2025, the airport once again shone at the Skytrax Awards, reclaiming the title of "Best Airport in Africa", as well as being recognised as the "Cleanest Airport in Africa" and commended for having the "Best Airport Staff" on the continent.
- Airports Council International Airport Service Quality Awards (ACI-ASQ Awards): The airport has consistently performed well in these awards, securing second place for the Middle East and Africa region in 2006, 2007, and 2013, and third place in 2008 and 2016. Notably, from 2010 to 2013, Cape Town Airport achieved first place for four consecutive years, showcasing its exceptional service quality.
- Passenger Demand and Growth: Cape Town International Airport has experienced significant growth and high passenger demand. In the early 2000s, the airport handled a growing number of passengers, peaking at 8.4 million passengers per annum in 2007-2008. The airport has also demonstrated a remarkable post-pandemic recovery, with a 98% recovery of international passengers compared to 2019 and strong domestic passenger demand.
- Infrastructure and Renovations: The airport's revamp and expansion projects have been recognised as contributing to its excellence. The major expansion to accommodate the 2010 FIFA World Cup and subsequent extensions have enhanced its capacity, amenities, and overall experience for travellers.
These awards and achievements highlight Cape Town International Airport's reputation as a world-class aviation hub, known for its exceptional standards, service, and facilities, solidifying its position as a prominent destination in its own right.
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Passenger experience
Cape Town International Airport (CTIA), located approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the city centre, is the only airport in the Cape Town metropolitan area that offers scheduled passenger services. It is the third-largest airport in Africa and serves as a significant travel hub for both domestic and international travellers. CTIA is currently home to almost 3,800,000 departing passengers and 45,654 incoming air traffic movements annually, with 29 domestic and international airlines landing and taking off from the airport.
The airport has a user-friendly terminal layout with clear signage and information desks to assist passengers. It consists of two terminals, one for international flights and the other for domestic travel, which are easily connected through a central building. CTIA offers a wide range of facilities and amenities to enhance the passenger experience. These include moving walkways, gentle gradient ramps, dedicated passenger lifts to all levels, and wheelchair access to shops, restaurants, and viewing areas. The airport staff is on hand to provide assistance, and multilingual staff can help passengers who may not be fluent in English.
For passengers' convenience, CTIA provides various additional services, including a pharmacy, post office, prayer room, bag wrapping, baggage storage, and porter services. Passengers can also access free Wi-Fi and make use of the airport's dining and shopping options, which include a range of local and international brands. Car rental companies are conveniently located near the arrivals hall, and shuttle services are available for transfers to and from the airport.
To ensure a smooth airport experience, passengers can book airport assistance services, such as meet-and-greet and fast-track services, which allow them to bypass regular queues. These services can be tailored to meet specific needs and are ideal for those seeking a premium experience or requiring special assistance. Cape Town International Airport is committed to improving access for passengers with different mobility needs, with ongoing renovations focusing on enhancing accessibility.
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Frequently asked questions
Cape Town International Airport.
The airport is approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Cape Town's city centre.
Transport options include metered taxis, e-hailing services (e.g. Uber and Bolt), private shuttle companies, and the MyCiti mass rapid transport bus system.
Cape Town International Airport features high-tech processing, world-class duty-free shopping, fast-casual dining restaurants, mobile phone kiosks, forex exchange outlets, and car rental agencies. There are also two hotels located within the airport: Hotel Verde and Road Lodge.
