News

For general enquiries please contact:

Tel: (011) 723 1400 or (011) 921 6262;

E-mail: customercare@airports.co.za

For media inquiries ONLY please contact the ACSA Media Team at:

E-mail: Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Thu 10 April 2025

Three ACSA Airports recognised as some of the best in the world

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is proud that Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) and King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) have been rated as some of the best getaways in the world at the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards.

Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) received three major accolades, Best Airport in Africa, Best Airport Staff Service in Africa, and Cleanest Airport in Africa.

King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) in Durban has been recognised as the Best Regional Airport in Africa, reaffirming its status as a top-tier regional hub committed to delivering seamless and customer-focused airport experiences.

The 2025 Skytrax awards were held on Wednesday 9th April 2025 during the Passenger Terminal EXPO in Madrid, Spain.

“These awards, based on feedback from passengers of over 100 nationalities, who evaluated their experiences across more than 575 airports globally, is a reflection of the dedication of our teams and the faith that passengers continue to place in our airports,” said ACSA CEO, Mpumi Mpofu.

“Our goal is to provide a seamless, safe and enjoyable travel experience for all who pass through our airports. These recognitions affirm that we are on the right path and inspire us to continue raising the bar,” said Mpofu.

In another recognition of excellence across the ACSA network, the InterContinental Hotel at O.R. Tambo International Airport was named Best Airport Hotel in Africa, underscoring ACSA’s commitment to providing holistic travel experiences that extend beyond the terminal.

Skytrax conducts the world’s largest annual airport customer satisfaction study in 575 airports in 100 countries. The passengers evaluate their experiences across more than 575 airports globally between August 2024 and February 2025.

The survey assesses key performance indicators across the entire passenger journey – from check-in, arrivals and transfers to shopping, security, and gate departure.

“ACSA extends its gratitude to every traveller who shared their experiences and cast their vote. This vote of confidence reaffirms our commitment to acquiring, developing, and managing world-class airports that not only deliver exceptional customer experiences but also drive socio-economic development for South Africa,” said Mpofu.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

Ms. Adele Nkomo

Acting Senior Manager: Corporate Communications

adele.nkomo@airports.co.za

Cell: 072 644 7161

Regards,

ACSA Media Desk

Issued by Airports Company South Africa

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Business, Passengers

Tue 8 April 2025

ACSA supports ATNS in maintaining critical instrument flight procedures (IFPS)

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) acknowledges and supports the work of Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) in ensuring that critical Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) at key airports are properly maintained to enhance operational safety, especially during adverse weather conditions.

ACSA recognizes the critical role that maintaining Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) plays in ensuring safe, efficient, and uninterrupted flight operations, particularly during adverse weather or low visibility. We commend ATNS for their dedicated efforts in equipping key network airports with essential approach procedures, enabling operations to continue smoothly even under challenging weather conditions.

It is important to note that as of today, 8 April 2025, the following airports will temporarily suspend their IFPs until further maintenance is completed. These airports will only be accessible during Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), and no access will be permitted during periods of poor visibility:

Richards Bay Airport
Upington Airport
Bram Fischer International Airport (Bloemfontein)

Passengers travelling to and from these airports are advised to check with their respective airlines for any updates on flight schedules. Additionally, we encourage all passengers to download the ACSA Mobile App for real-time flight notifications to stay informed about any potential delays or changes.

ACSA is pleased to report that the following airports have successfully maintained their IFPs and are fully operational:

O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA)
King Shaka International Airport (KSIA)
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Port Elizabeth)
Cape Town International Airport (CTIA)
George Airport (GA)
King Phalo Airport (East London)

We remain committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety, operational efficiency, and customer service. ACSA continues to work closely with ATNS and all relevant authorities to restore procedures at the affected airports as quickly as possible, minimizing any impact on our passengers.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

ACSA Media Desk

Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Issued by Airports Company South Africa

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Business, Passengers

Thu 27 March 2025

ACSA responds to media reports on porter concerns at O.R. Tambo International Airport

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) acknowledges the recent media coverage and concerns raised by porters at O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) as reported in the article published by Independent Online (IOL). While we respect the right of porters to express their grievances, ACSA strongly rejects the mischaracterization of our role and the implications of "harassment," "victimisation," and "exploitation" in the article.

Firstly, ACSA would like to clarify that the porters working at ORTIA are not company employees. Instead, they are permitted to operate within the airport premises and primarily earn income through gratuities (tips) from passengers. ACSA is not involved in the hiring, compensation, or organizational structure of the porters. Therefore, any claims suggesting that ACSA has direct control over their financial or employment arrangements are inaccurate.

Regarding the specific concerns raised by the porters, it is important to clarify that ACSA enforces security and operational protocols in accordance with national and international aviation safety standards. These protocols are in place to ensure the safety and security of all passengers, airport personnel, and assets. As per these regulations, all individuals operating within the airport, including porters, are required to comply with established security procedures. If a porter violates security measures or operates outside of their designated areas, they may face disciplinary action, including a warning or permit revocation.

ACSA provides designated working areas for porters to operate within, in order to maintain an orderly and safe environment. It is crucial that porters adhere to these designated zones to ensure smooth airport operations. Any restrictions on their work arise from non-compliance with these security and operational guidelines, not arbitrary decisions by ACSA.

While we reject any claims that porters are being mistreated, exploited, or unfairly restricted from earning a livelihood by ACSA officials, we remain committed to working in partnership with all stakeholders to address any legitimate concerns raised, while upholding the security and integrity of airport operations.

ACSA takes any allegations of mistreatment seriously and will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders to foster a fair and safe working environment for all parties involved.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

ACSA Media Desk

Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Issued by Airports Company South Africa

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Business, Passengers

Thu 13 March 2025

ACSA Airports receive accolades at the 2024 ASQ Experience Awards

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is proud to announce that two of its airports received recognition at the prestigious 2024 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Experience Awards, presented by Airports Council International (ACI) World

Bram Fischer International Airport and George Airport both placed first in the Best Airports by Size and Region category. Both Bram Fischer and George Airports are award winners for airports with under two million passengers per year in Africa. Additionally, George Airport also won a Special Category Award for Easiest Airport Journey in Africa.

The annual ASQ Experience Awards are determined exclusively through passenger feedback and highlight excellence in airport customer experience across the globe. They are presented in partnership with Amadeus, a leading global software solutions provider to the travel and tourism industry.

The 2024 ASQ Experience Awards marked a significant milestone in the aviation industry, with nearly 700,000 surveys completed and over half of the world's travellers passing through an ASQ-rated airport. A record-breaking 181 awards were presented to 95 airports globally, recognising their unwavering dedication to exceptional passenger service.

Award categories included Best Airports by Size and Region, Most Dedicated Staff, Easiest Airport Journey, Most Enjoyable Airport, Cleanest Airport, and Top Airports for Arrivals. These awards highlight the commitment of airports worldwide to enhancing the passenger experience and setting new benchmarks for service quality.

Thabo Phateng, Airport Manager Bram Fischer International Airport (BFIA), says the airport's category win is a significant milestone that reflects the unwavering dedication of ACSA's staff and airport stakeholders to providing world-class service and ensuring every traveller enjoys a seamless and smooth journey.

"We are honoured to be recognised among the best in the industry and incredibly proud of Bram Fischer International Airport's achievement at the recent ASQ Experience Awards. This recognition is a recognition of our efforts to consistently strive to deliver exceptional passenger experiences. Our team's commitment to excellence, and the consistent collaboration with all relevant airport stakeholders, has set a new benchmark in the aviation industry," he says.

Brenda Vorster, Airport Manager George Airport, notes that the accolades bestowed on the airport reflect the immense efforts by ACSA's employees to continuously improve the passenger experience.

"We are immensely proud of this exceptional achievement at the 2024 ASQ Experience Awards. Winning in the Best Airports by Size and Region category for airports with under two million passengers per year, as well as receiving the Special Category Award for Easiest Airport Journey in Africa, is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team. Your commitment to excellence has been rightfully recognised, and I am confident that this will inspire us to reach even greater heights," she says.

ACSA has a notable history of achievements at the ASQ Experience Awards. Some of its previous wins include Cape Town International Airport being consistently recognised as Africa's Leading Airport and also taking multiple wins in the Best Airport by Size and Region category.

Additionally, O.R. Tambo International Airport has been a frequent winner for achieving excellence in governance, efficiency, and service levels and has also been recognised in various categories, including Best Airport by Size and Region. King Shaka International Airport has previously been awarded for having the best airport staff and being the best regional airport in Africa.

These awards highlight ACSA's commitment to delivering exceptional passenger experiences and setting high standards in both the local and regional aviation industries.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

ACSA Media Desk

Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Issued by Airports Company South Africa

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Business, Passengers

Tue 4 March 2025

ACSA wins leave to appeal a judgment which stopped it from procuring baggage screening equipment

The Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) has been granted leave to appeal a judgment which stopped it from procuring baggage screening equipment in an open tender process and in implementing the decision to terminate the operations of Aviation Co-ordination Services (Pty) Ltd at its airports.

In a judgment handed down on Friday, 28 February 2025, the Johannesburg High Court concluded that there are reasonable prospects of another court making different factual findings and coming to different legal conclusions.

The court said last November’s judgement addresses matters of great public importance and has far-reaching consequences for how ACSA exercises its statutory and constitutional powers and functions related to aviation safety and international obligations.

The outcome of the application for leave to appeal is crucial. It is the first step in ensuring that ACSA complies with its mandate, including the procurement of screening equipment, to implement baggage handling currently undertaken by a private company.

In addition to the court granting ACSA leave to appeal, the court ruled on an application brought by ACS where they sought an order that the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) approve their application as a private company to replace back up equipment at King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) and O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA), and for ACSA to allow the replacement. The court has granted this order notwithstanding the leave to appeal it granted ACSA and SACAA which would ordinarily suspend the operation of the orders previously granted.

ACSA is presently studying the part of the judgment that permitted ACS to replace backup equipment and is considering its legal options.

ACSA remains committed to enhancing the services it provides to passengers and the aviation industry as a whole.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

ACSA Media Desk

Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Issued by Airports Company South Africa

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Business

Fri 28 February 2025

ACSA announces the first-ever Arts and Wine Festival at King Shaka International Airport: A celebration of talent, culture, and commerce

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural Arts and Wine Festival, set to take place at King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) on March 1-2, 2025. This groundbreaking event, a highlight in ACSA's cultural and commercial calendar, will celebrate South Africa's rich artistic heritage, showcase local talent, and highlight key business opportunities that define the country's dynamic creative and commercial industries.

The ACSA Arts and Wine Festival is more than just an event—it is a powerful platform for community engagement, commercial opportunity, and economic empowerment, under the theme Jet.Set.Trend, the festival invites South Africans and international visitors alike to explore the intersection of creativity, culture, and commerce. By integrating local artists, innovative winemakers, and entrepreneurs, ACSA fosters an environment where talent and business thrive together.

"We are excited to create a space where South African talent, particularly young artists and Black women winemakers, can flourish while engaging with commercial stakeholders," says ACSA Regional General Manager, Mr. Nkosinathi Myataza. "This festival is a celebration of artistry and innovation, and our commitment to inclusivity, economic upliftment, and business development is at its heart."

The festival aligns with ACSA's broader socio-economic objectives to position airports as vibrant hubs of commerce and culture. By hosting this event at KSIA, ACSA is not only promoting local artistry but also strengthening ties with the KwaZulu-Natal business sector, particularly Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) through:

Commercial Tender Opportunities: Businesses can engage directly with ACSA's Commercial and Business Development Division on upcoming tenders in car rentals, advertising, cargo, warehousing, and retail.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Development: Stakeholders will be informed about ACSA's latest infrastructure projects and refurbishment plans that impact commercial and travel sectors.
Networking with Key Industry Stakeholders: The festival provides a structured platform for engagement between business leaders, airlines, transport and aviation entities, and the KZN Business Chamber.

The ACSA Arts and Wine Festival will feature a range of interactive experiences designed to foster learning, collaboration, and commercial networking:

Wine Tastings: Experience the artistry of winemaking through guided tastings, food pairings, and conversations with local winemakers.
Art Exhibition: A showcase of South Africa's most promising emerging artists, providing a commercial platform for young creatives.
Business and Industry Masterclasses: Expert-led sessions will provide insights into both the art of winemaking and commercial strategies for the creative industries.
SMME Showcases and Networking Sessions: Small businesses will have the opportunity to display products, connect with buyers, and explore potential partnerships within the airport's commercial ecosystem.

The festival is a catalyst for economic transformation, driving local tourism and strengthening KZN's position as a key player in South Africa's business and creative sectors. By highlighting South Africa's wine industry, artistic talents, and commercial prospects at airports, ACSA is reinforcing the importance of fostering creative and business industries for broader economic development.

"This festival is not just about art and wine—it's about economic opportunity, business engagement, and community upliftment. We aim to empower emerging entrepreneurs while positioning our airports as thriving centres of commerce and culture," adds Myataza.

Festival Details

Date: March 1-2, 2025

Location: King Shaka International Airport, Durban

Theme: Jet.Set.Trend

Tickets: Available now at Webtickets

Join us for this landmark event and experience a festival that is not just a celebration of the finer things in life, but a reflection of the vibrant, collective spirit of South Africa's commerce and creativity.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact:

ACSA Media Desk

Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Issued by Airports Company South Africa

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Business, Passengers

Tue 25 February 2025

ACSA in court for rights to provide hold baggage screening services

JOHANNESBURG, 25 February 2024 –

The Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) has approached the Gauteng High Court for leave to appeal a judgement handed down in November last year which stopped it from procuring baggage screening equipment in an open tender process.

The court ruled that Aviation Co-ordination Services (Pty) Ltd (ACS), a company formed by airline associations, the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA), and the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA) to conduct the baggage screening, is permitted to replace back up screening equipment and interdicted ACSA from purchasing the baggage screening equipment pending finalisation of review application filed by ACS challenging ACSA‘s decision to provide the services themselves.

The review application is to be heard in the coming months; ACSA argues that in terms of the Constitution and aviation legislation regulating it, it is mandated to provide baggage screening and handling services at its airports and should proceed with an open tender process.

LEAVE TO APPEAL

Tuesday’s hearing is an application for leave to appeal the judgement handed in November 2024, which stopped ACSA from procuring, in line with Section 217 of the Constitution, the hold baggage screening equipment and implementing baggage screening services.

The judgement has the effect of stopping a state organ from complying with the Constitution of the Republic, its legislative mandate and preserving an evergreen contract.

ACSA believes that the Tuesday hearing (leave to appeal) is critical to ensure that it continues to comply with its legislative mandate to implement baggage screening and handling currently undertaken by a private company, ACS.

ACSA’s MANDATE

ACS has provided services for more than 20 years without a procurement process. After a comprehensive review, ACSA decided that as the airport authority, it is mandated to provide the services to ensure a fair and transparent process be followed in terms of section 217 of the Constitution and the Public Finance Management Act in relation to the services; and that the tariff charged is a regulated tariff in compliance with the existing economic regulation model for airports.

The decision to implement hold baggage screening services is part of a broader strategy to ensure legislative compliance, improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s airports.

ACSA remains committed to enhancing the services it provides to passengers and the aviation industry as a whole.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

ACSA Media Desk

Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Issued by Airports Company South Africa

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Business

Fri 7 February 2025

O.R. Tambo International Airport among Top 10 busiest airports

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) acknowledges the recent data released by OAG’s Global Airline Schedules, which highlights the World’s Busiest Airports for 2024. We are proud to note that O.R. Tambo International Airport has been ranked among the top 10 busiest airports in the Middle East and Africa, having facilitated over 12 million scheduled seats this year. ORTIA continues to serve as a vital hub for air travel, trade, and connectivity within the region.

As South Africa’s primary international gateway, ORTIA has demonstrated significant growth and operational excellence, handling:

Over 17.8 million passengers in the fiscal year April–March 2024
More than 204,000 aircraft movements during the same period

These figures underscore ORTIA's capacity to manage high passenger volumes and substantial air traffic movements, reinforcing its status as the busiest airport in Africa.

The airport offers connections to numerous destinations worldwide, facilitating seamless travel for passengers and supporting economic growth through enhanced connectivity.

ACSA remains committed to providing world-class infrastructure and operational excellence to support the continued growth and success of ORTIA.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

ACSA Media Desk

Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Issued by Airports Company South Africa

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Business, Passengers

Tue 28 January 2025

ACSA had a bumper Peak travel Period with a strong 2026 outlook

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is proud to report a highly successful performance during the 2024 peak travel period, recording a remarkable 91% recovery to pre-pandemic levels and a 5% year on year increase in total passenger traffic. Marking the culmination of a bustling and dynamic festive season that saw substantial growth in passenger volumes.

The ACSA network processed 3,705,778 passengers in December 2024, in total passenger traffic. The strong recovery was underpinned by the return of critical international airline routes, new airline entrants, and a boost in flight frequencies.

The busiest day was 13 December 2024, processing 139,935 passengers and recording 1,139 air traffic movements. “This success is 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 Mpumi Mpofu, ACSA CEO.

O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA), Cape Town International Airport (CTIA), and King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) all achieved and, in some cases, exceeded their traffic projections, showcasing the network's resilience and operational efficiency.

Despite the strong performance, ACSA encountered some significant operational incidents at two if its major airports, O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) and Cape Town International Airport (CTIA), that required immediate response and resolution.

Fuel Supply Disruption at O.R. Tambo International Airport

On 9 December 2024, O.R. Tambo International Airport experienced a disruption in its fuel supply when the Feeder Line Actuated Valve at the airport's bulk Jet A1 fuel storage facility failed in the closed position, preventing manual operation. This failure halted fuelling operations across all aprons for approximately 4 hours.

ACSA’s technical teams acted swiftly to restore operations by manually opening the D2 valve and switching the actuator to manual mode. The faulty valve was repaired, and the replacement valve was installed on 11 December. ACSA submitted the valve for laboratory analysis to determine the cause, with a full report expected early in 2025.

Biometric System Delays at Border Management

Between 15 and 16 December 2024, the Border Management Agency (BMA) experienced delays at passport control at O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) due to suboptimal performance of the Biometric Movement Control System during the peak travel period. This resulted in extended wait times for passengers.

To mitigate the impact, ACSA collaborated closely with the BMA, advising passengers to arrive 3 hours prior to their flight departure, an increase from the usual 2-hour recommendation, to accommodate potential delays. Additionally, the BMA activated the older Electronic Movement Control System (EMCS) counters to assist with passenger flow. As a result of these efforts, queue times were reduced by 60-75% across all terminals, leading to a significant improvement in the overall customer experience.

Power Supply Challenges at Cape Town International Airport

On 22 January 2024, Cape Town International Airport experienced a power disruption following a fault at the substation, which caused an increased load on the fuel power cable and ultimately led to a cable failure. During the outage, the fuel depot operated on generator power while the issue was being addressed.

The technical team responded swiftly to the fault, and power was fully restored by 4:00 PM. In response to the incident, ACSA implemented measures to enhance system redundancy, including the installation of an additional generator and initiatives to prevent future cable failures, such as load reduction protocols.

Fuel Supply Disruptions Due to NATREF Refinery Shutdown

On 4 January 2025, a fire at the NATREF refinery led to a shutdown, cutting off 72% of the region’s fuel supply and putting pressure on the fuel supply chain. The refinery is expected to restart by 27 February 2025. To address the issue, ACSA, working with fuel suppliers, airlines, Transnet, and government departments have managed to implement alternative fuel supply solutions securing 121.1 million litres of jet fuel at ORTIA. The imported fuel is currently being transported by rail and pipeline from Durban and will be delivered to ORTIA in multiple tranches over the next month.

ACSA’s CEO, Ms. Mpumi Mpofu, commented: “As we reflect on the success of the 2024 peak period, I am thrilled by the growth and resilience of our network. The dedication of stakeholders and staff, and the robust operational strategies we implemented played a fundamental role in ensuring that passengers had a seamless and efficient travel experience. 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.”

Looking ahead, ACSA remains focused on recovering its pre-pandemic position while diversifying its revenue streams to mitigate risks in the aviation sector. While passenger traffic in South Africa has yet to fully return to 2019 levels, the financial health and stability of the industry have shown significant improvement, as evidenced by the recovery in profitability.

Ms. Mpofu further stated: “The travel sector has been marked by persistent demand, and we are optimistic about the future. We look forward to continued growth in passenger and cargo traffic in the coming financial year (FY 2025/26). 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.”

Looking forward, ACSA’s focus remains on enhancing the passenger experience, ensuring that its airports are ready for the expected growth in traffic, and maintaining the operational excellence that passengers have come to expect.

“Despite some challenges, our ability to navigate these complexities and maintain a high standard of service is a reflection of the resilience of our staff and the strength of our team,” said Ms. Mpofu. “Our outlook for FY 2025/26 is positive, and we are committed to leveraging this momentum to further improve and grow the ACSA network.”

Airports Company South Africa extends its sincere gratitude to all employees, airlines, ground handlers, fuel suppliers, retailers and passengers for their unwavering support. We look forward to continued collaboration and success in 2025 and beyond.

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

ACSA Media Desk Mediadesk@airports.co.za

Issued by Airports Company South Africa

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Business, Passengers