George Airport in the Western Cape recorded its busiest year ever in 2025, with passenger numbers reaching new highs and pushing the regional hub to full capacity.
Figures released by Wesgro and Cape Town Air Access show that the airport handled more than 911 000 two-way passengers last year, an 11% increase compared to 2024.
George Airport experiences December surge
Traffic through George Airport remained strong during the festive season, with December alone accounting for nearly 96 000 passengers passing through, marking a 3% growth year on year.
The sustained increase reflects growing demand for travel to and from the Garden Route, particularly during peak holiday periods.
With the airport now operating at full capacity, Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) also revealed plans to invest R310 million to double George Airport’s passenger handling capacity.
Construction is expected to begin in October 2026 and will run over three years, with completion targeted for 2028.
Several infrastructure projects are already underway. Work on emergency and perimeter roads started last year, while upcoming phases will include:
- Runway rehabilitation
- Terminal expansion
- Upgraded instrument landing system, allowing aircraft to land safely in poor weather
The improved landing system is expected to reduce weather-related disruptions, a frequent concern for regular travellers using the airport.
Once completed, the upgrades are expected to ease congestion and support continued growth in passenger demand.
Cape Town International Airport also has a good year
George Airport wasn’t the only Western Cape airport to report strong passenger numbers for 2025. Cape Town International Airport also recorded its strongest year on record, handling 11.1 million two-way passengers in 2025 for the first time.
The airport processed 3.3 million international two-way passengers in 2025, representing a 7% increase compared to 2024.
In December 2025, the airport handled 1.12 million two-way passengers, an 8% year-on-year increase, marking another record-breaking December for the province.
Wesgro CEO and official Cape Town Air Access spokesperson Wrenelle Stander said the figures align with the Western Cape’s long-term tourism strategy.
“The Western Cape is on a mission to double tourism by 2035 as part of the Growth for Jobs Strategy,” she said.
“These record-breaking figures demonstrate that we are firmly on the road towards achieving this objective.”
