Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Cape Town, ZA 🇿🇦 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
FACT
IATA
CPT
Elevation
151 ft
Region
ZA-WC
Local Time
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Loading...Airport Information
GPS Code: FACT
Local Code: Not available
Location: -33.964802° N, 18.6017° E
Continent: Africa
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: Kaapstad Internasionale Lughawe CTIA DF Malan Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) consistently receives high praise, recently ranking as the world's best airport in the AirHelp Score 2025 for its punctuality, service, and amenities. It has also been recognized as the Best Airport in Africa and for its exceptional service and cleanliness at the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards. While professional ratings are overwhelmingly positive, individual traveler experiences can be mixed, with some highlighting areas for improvement.
What Travelers Love
- Overall Excellence & Punctuality: CPT is frequently lauded for its high on-time performance and overall positive customer experience, securing top global and African rankings.
- Terminal Facilities & Cleanliness: The airport is certified as a 4-Star Airport for its facilities, comfort, and cleanliness, offering a pleasant and spacious environment.
- Dining & Shopping: A wide range of culinary options, including local and international brands, and duty-free shopping are available in both terminals.
- Transportation & Parking: Excellent ground transport options include the MyCiTi Airport Shuttle, app-based services like Uber/Bolt from the dedicated Transport Plaza, and on-site car rental desks. Over 6,000 parking bays, including long-stay, shaded, and valet services, are available.
- Scenic Arrival: Travelers often appreciate the stunning views of Table Mountain upon arrival.
Common Complaints
- Security & Immigration Wait Times: Despite official estimates, some travelers report significantly long wait times (up to 1.5-2.5 hours) at security and passport control, especially during peak periods or when understaffed.
- Lack of Family-Friendly Queues: There are specific complaints about the absence of dedicated queues for families with young children or elderly individuals, leading to frustration in long lines.
- No Dedicated Transit Area: Passengers connecting international flights often need to exit and re-enter the airport, including going through security and immigration again, as there is no designated transit area.
- Inconsistent Staff Service: While many find staff friendly and efficient, some reviews mention encountering unhelpful or unfriendly personnel at immigration and security checkpoints.
- Taxi Touts: Unauthorized and aggressive taxi touts are a recurring issue, with warnings to avoid them due to potential overcharging and safety concerns.
- Washroom & Family Facilities: Some washroom facilities may require upgrading, and changing stations for toddlers are occasionally found to be small, unhygienic, or lacking.
Overall, Cape Town International Airport is highly regarded for its operational efficiency, modern facilities, and commitment to service, as reflected in numerous international accolades. However, individual experiences can vary, particularly regarding immigration processing times and the need for more family-friendly considerations in queue management and facilities.
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Airport Routes
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) offers 54 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include Safair, South African Airlink, Global Aviation and others. Popular destinations from Cape Town include OR Tambo Int'l, Air Force Base Hoedspruit, King Shaka Int'l, Livingstone and George.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
- Victoria Falls (VFA) new
- Livingstone (LVI) new
- Maputo Int'l (MPM) new
- Jomo Kenyatta Int'l (NBO) new
- King Mswati III International Airport (SHO) new
- OR Tambo Int'l (JNB) new
- Windhoek Hosea Kutako Int'l (WDH) new
- Upington (UTN) new
- Bloemfontein (BFN) new
- Lanseria (HLA) new
- Kimberley (KIM) new
- East London (ELS) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Cape Town International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Safair
SFR
/ FA
|
10 | 395 | 10 | Nov 6, 2025 |
|
South African Airlink
LNK
/ 4Z
|
15 | 206 | 15 | Jan 29, 2026 |
|
Global Aviation
GBB
/ GE
|
2 | 159 | 2 | Oct 18, 2025 |
|
South African Airways
SAA
/ SA
|
2 | 107 | 2 | Nov 6, 2025 |
|
CemAir
KEM
/ 5Z
|
4 | 57 | 4 | Oct 17, 2025 |
|
Kenya Airways
KQA
/ KQ
|
3 | 15 | 3 | Jan 29, 2026 |
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM
/ KL
|
1 | 15 | 1 | Nov 6, 2025 |
Ethiopian Airlines
ETH
/ ET
|
1 | 8 | 1 | Oct 13, 2025 |
Singapore Airlines
SIA
/ SQ
|
1 | 7 | 1 | Oct 18, 2025 |
|
TAAG Angola Airlines
DTA
/ DT
|
1 | 5 | 1 | Oct 13, 2025 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
01/19 |
10502 ft | 200 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
16/34 |
5581 ft | 151 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| AC | Apron Control | 122.65 MHz |
| APP | Approach | 119.7 MHz |
| APP | Director | 124.5 MHz |
| ATIS | ATIS | 127.0 MHz |
| ATIS | Long Range ATIS | 127.6 MHz |
| DEL | Delivery | 122.1 MHz |
| GND | Ground | 121.9 MHz |
| TWR | Tower | 118.1 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
The officially authorized airport taxi service is Touch Down Taxis, operating 24/7 from the rank directly in front of the Central Terminal Building. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt are also widely used, with a dedicated pick-up area located on the ground floor of Parkade 1. It is recommended to use only these authorized services.
Rental Cars
Several major car rental companies operate from the airport, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, and Sixt. Their booking desks are located in a dedicated building in front of the Transport Plaza, opposite the Central Terminal. It is highly recommended to book your vehicle in advance, especially during peak season. Vehicles are collected from adjacent parkades.
Public Transportation
The MyCiTi bus service provides a direct and affordable link between the airport and the city center. The A01 route runs from the airport's bus station to the Civic Centre bus station in downtown Cape Town. Passengers must purchase a reloadable MyCiTi card from the station kiosk at the airport before boarding. The service operates from early morning until late evening. Several private shuttle companies also offer pre-booked door-to-door transfers.
Nearby Airports
External Links & Resources
Official Resources
Public Transportation