Arrivals at SA’s airports up marginally in first quarter

Overall growth in passenger numbers in the first quarter of 2017 was subdued‚ with SA airports seeing an overall increase in arrivals of 0.8%‚ the Airports Company of SA (Acsa) said on Tuesday.

Domestic arrivals decreased 1.03%‚ and international arrivals rose 5.6%‚ allowing overall passenger figures to remain in a positive territory‚ according to Acsa’s quarterly aviation barometer.

The barometer‚ which gauges traffic at SA airports‚ is intended to inform longer term planning based on demand for routes‚ including for the tourism and hospitality industries. Cape Town International Airport was again the standout performer‚ with international arrivals increasing 24.9% year-on-year‚ or by 64‚000 passengers.

Durban’s King Shaka International Airport saw an 8.1% increase or 3‚200 passengers‚

OR Tambo International airport experienced a 4% growth‚ while overall regional travel numbers remained flat‚ with arrivals decreasing 0.03%‚ Acsa said.

TMG Digital/BusinessLIVE