The Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has announced a robust recovery in passenger traffic, achieving an impressive 91 percent return to pre-pandemic levels during the 2024 peak travel period.
The festive bustle saw total passenger traffic soar by 5 percent year-on-year, highlighting a significant rebound in the airline industry.
During December 2024, ACSA's network processed an astounding 3,705,778 passengers, marking a period of extensive travel and reunion.
Key to this resurgence has been the reinstatement of important international airline routes, the entrance of new airlines, and an increase in flight frequencies.
The holiday rush peaked on 13 December 2024, when the airports processed a staggering 139,935 passengers alongside 1,139 air traffic movements.
O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA), Cape Town International Airport (CTIA), and King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) not only met but, in some cases, exceeded their traffic projections.
Their remarkable performance underscores the operational efficiency and resilience of the Acsa network.
“This success is a testament to the commitment of our team and the strength of our infrastructure, which allowed us to meet and exceed expectations during one of the busiest times of the year,” said Acsa CEO Mpumi Mpofu.
However, the record numbers didn't come without challenges. Both ORTIA and CTIA faced significant operational incidents that required prompt response and expert resolution.
On December 9, 2024, ORTIA encountered a disruption in fuel supply due to a failure in the Feeder Line Actuated Valve at the airport's bulk Jet A1 fuel storage facility.
The malfunction halted fuelling operations for about four hours. Acsa’s technical teams quickly intervened, manually operating valves to restore service, and implemented repairs by December 11.
On December 15 and 16 , a backlog occurred at passport control at ORTIA as the Border Management Agency (BMA) faced challenges with the Biometric Movement Control System during the peak period.
To alleviate long wait times, Acsa worked closely with the BMA, urging passengers to arrive three hours prior to their flights instead of the usual two hours.
The BMA also activated older Electronic Movement Control System counters, resulting in an impressive 60-75 percent reduction in queue times.
Meanwhile, Cape Town International Airport faced an unanticipated power disruption on January 22, 2024.
A fault at a substation led to a cable failure, but the technical team promptly activated generators while addressing the issue, restoring power by 4pm. Acsa has since undertaken measures to enhance system redundancy and prevent future disruptions.
The aviation sector is set to undergo further challenges as well. On January 4, a fire at the NATREF refinery caused significant disruptions, cutting off 72 percent of the regional fuel supply.
Acsa is currently collaborating with fuel suppliers and government entities to implement alternative supply solutions, securing 121.1 million litres of jet fuel.
This fuel will be transported from Durban to ORTIA in batches over the following month, ensuring operational continuity.
Looking to the future, Mpofu expressed optimism about further growth. “We are especially excited about the anticipated expansion of our international routes, the addition of new airlines, and the ongoing commitment to excellence that will propel us towards our goals in the year ahead,” she stated.
As passenger traffic in South Africa continues to recover, Acsa remains dedicated to enhancing its financial stability and diversifying revenue streams, steadfast in its goal to restore the aviation sector to its pre-pandemic vibrancy.