Cape Town airport wins top Africa MICE award as international flights surge

Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) has been honored with the Best Airport Supporting MICE category award at the Africa MICE Awards 2026, held in Mombasa, Kenya. This accolade comes as the airport prepares for its most anticipated peak season yet, marked by robust growth in both passenger traffic and international connectivity.

Malcolm Koopman, Acting Regional Manager at CTIA, emphasized that the rising connectivity underscores the airport's significance as a key economic catalyst for the region. "Every new route and returning service enhances Cape Town's global linkages," he stated. "This increased connectivity draws more visitors, fuels trade and investment, bolsters local businesses, and fosters job creation, thereby contributing to the economic prosperity of Cape Town and the Western Cape."

Koopman highlighted the airport's unwavering commitment to ensuring safe operations and delivering an optimal passenger experience, even as it anticipates a surge in passenger volumes. For the 2026/27 peak travel season, CTIA is anticipated to add approximately 250,000 two-way international seats, representing a 12% increase in international capacity. The city will be serviced by 26 international airlines, linking Cape Town to 33 destinations across 38 routes, with 255 international flights operating weekly.

This expansion follows a record-breaking 2025, during which CTIA handled around 11.1 million two-way passengers, marking a 7% year-on-year growth. The increased connectivity is evident in the introduction of new and returning services, including Airlink's new direct flights to Mauritius and Zanzibar. Koopman noted that these new routes bolster Cape Town's regional and Indian Ocean connectivity.

The return of seasonal services from Edelweiss, Norse Atlantic, Condor, and Air France, along with Virgin Atlantic's anticipated resumption from October 14, further enriches the airport's offerings.

Koopman concluded by underscoring the airport's ongoing collaboration with all stakeholders to enhance connectivity, thereby supporting tourism, trade, investment, and economic activities across Cape Town and the Western Cape. He affirmed that as the primary international gateway to Cape Town and the Western Cape, CTIA remains dedicated to strengthening these connections and advancing regional development.