In breaking news the airport reports that 2011 now records the highest number of passengers processed to date. For the past four years 2007 has had the highest record of passenger numbers but this has now been surpassed. With just under 8.5 million passengers processed in 2011 it can be hailed the year of regained growth. “In essence this means that while passenger numbers had started to slowly but steadily grow we had not yet recorded as much growth as in 2007. Now we have finally surpassed that and if the trend continues we are on track to regain the growth of the past four years”, says Deidre Davids, Communications Manager, Airports Company South Africa: Cape Town International Airport.

In addition the month of January has seen passenger numbers at Cape Town International Airport continue to climb in line with the trend of the past three months. January saw International arriving passenger numbers grow by a remarkable 15% compared to January 2011. Arriving passenger numbers for December were as impressive when it showcased a growth of 17% compared to the same period in the previous year while November had marked an increase of 14% for that period.

“The International passenger numbers are extremely impressive and confirm that November marks the beginning of the peak season with the months that follow all showing good growth”, added Davids.

On the Domestic front Domestic arriving passengers grew by 4% for January compared to January last year with Domestic departures having grown by 7% for the same period. Total passenger numbers for January marked a healthy 8% growth compared to January last year. “With this steady growth the airport has been continuously busy with January 5th peaking at just over 28 000 passengers moving through the terminal for the day! The team has been doing a sterling job given the large numbers of passengers moving through the terminal”, concluded Davids.

Domestic passengers are reminded to arrive an hour and a half before their flight and International passengers are reminded to arrive two and a half hours before their flight. “Passengers should also consider on-line check-in which greatly reduces their waiting time at the airport” recommended Davids.