Cape Town International Airport Guide
Cape Town International Airport sits roughly 20 kilometres east of the Cape Town city centre, connected via the N2 highway. Opened in 1954 on the Cape Flats, it replaced Wingfield Aerodrome as the city's primary commercial facility. The airport is the second-busiest in South Africa and handled over 10.4 million passengers in 2024, a record at the time.
The terminal building is divided into a domestic side on the south and an international side on the north, with a shared Central Terminal Building containing 120 check-in desks. Two runways serve the airport: the primary at 3,201 metres and a shorter crosswind runway at 1,701 metres. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) owns and operates the facility.
Major long-haul carriers include Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Qatar Airways, and United Airlines. South African Airways connects Cape Town to Johannesburg and international destinations. FlySafair and Airlink dominate domestic routes. A R21.7 billion expansion programme approved for construction starting 2025 will upgrade both terminals to support projected growth past 20 million annual passengers.
Services
4 of 6 availableCompare 27 listed options at Cape Town International Airport, spanning parking, car rentals, lounges and hotels. Each guide sets out locations, distance from the airport, key features and links to book direct, so you can weigh cost against convenience before you fly. Select a service below to see every provider we track for Cape Town International Airport.
Location
Key facts
- Size
- 10M passengers (2024)2 runwaysopened 1954
- Location
- -33.974, 18.604
- Operator
- Airports Company South Africa (ACSA)
Terminals
2 terminalsCape Town International Airport has 2 passenger terminals — Domestic Terminal and International Terminal, handling both international and domestic flights for around 14 airlines. Check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as check-in, security and boarding points differ between them, and moving from one to another can take time.
- Domestic TerminalDomestic
FlySafair, Airlink, South African Airways, CemAir, LIFT
- International TerminalInternational
Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, KLM, Turkish Airlines, South African Airways, United Airlines, Kenya Airways, Air France
Nearby cities
3 citiesCape Town International Airport is closest to Cape Town (20 km west), and also serves Stellenbosch, Paarl and other nearby areas. With 3 towns and cities within reach, it is a practical gateway for the wider region. Distances shown are straight-line from the airport, so allow extra time for road transfers, traffic and parking.
- Cape Town20 km west
- Stellenbosch46 km east
- Paarl55 km northeast
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the airport codes for Cape Town International Airport?
What are the airport codes for Cape Town International Airport?
Where is Cape Town International Airport located?
Where is Cape Town International Airport located?
What services are available at Cape Town International Airport?
What services are available at Cape Town International Airport?
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