Overseas arrivals at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) have been severely affected by South Africa’s transition to a three-hub aviation system, paired with loss of long-haul capacity from SAA and lack of investment in air access and destination marketing initiatives.
This according to ACSA, commenting on a report (from advisory firm BDO) highlighting that overseas arrivals at JNB in the first seven months of this year reached only 79% of the comparative 2019 figure.
Mpho Rambau, ACSA’s Acting Group Manager for Traffic Development, told Tourism Update that the growth of direct long-haul flights into Cape Town and Durban reduced the volume of passengers funnelling through JNB.
“Airlines can now fly directly to all three cities, allowing travellers to enter the country closer to their actual destination. The current three-hub system has therefore led to a structural shift in travel patterns – not necessarily a diversion of passengers from Gauteng but rather a more accurate reflection of true arrival points,” said Rambau.
Under the one-hub model, SAA accounted for over 40% of the total international air travel market in South Africa, consolidating all its operations at JNB.
“SAA’s reduced international footprint has significantly impacted the airport’s long-haul volumes. Before 2020, SAA operated multiple daily long-haul services – many have not yet returned,” Rambau pointed out.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Bilateral Air Service Agreement regime, predicated on a strict 50-50 capacity allocation designed to protect national aviation interests, now presents a significant impediment to the recovery of JNB.
“The very regulatory mechanisms intended to ensure fair competition and support the national carrier have resulted in a rigidity that is stifling the market’s ability and broader aviation sector recovery,” said Rambau.
Gauteng Air Access Network key to growth
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) – which recorded 121% recovery in overseas arrivals in the periods analysed by BDO – has been a significant beneficiary of the three-hub evolution, supported by aggressive lobbying from the Wesgro-led Cape Town Air Access project established in 2015.
“The project’s proactive route development strategy, engaging directly with airlines, tourism boards and global partners, has enabled CPT to secure more than 20 new international routes and increased frequencies on existing routes. This has positioned Cape Town as one of the most connected secondary cities on the African continent,” said Rambau.
“The success underscores what can be achieved when there is alignment between national, provincial and local government authorities, airport operators and the private sector, supported by clear data and destination marketing intelligence,” Rambau added.
Rambau said there is growing consensus that additional investment and capacity-building in the Gauteng Air Access Network (GAAN) – established in 2021 – could accelerate route recovery for JNB.
“GAAN’s potential is significant, given Gauteng’s position as South Africa’s primary economic hub but the initiative requires greater resourcing, coordinated leadership and industry alignment to achieve comparable results. With the right focus and partnerships, OR Tambo can reassert its role as Africa’s most connected hub.”
Showcasing tourism product development
Rambau highlighted a substantial expansion in Gauteng’s tourism product mix over the past decade, focusing on urban regeneration, mixed-use precincts, heritage, luxury and entertainment.
Some of the developments include the Maboneng Precinct, the Newtown Precinct, Rosebank, Constitution Hill and Freedom Park together with refurbishments of flagship properties and the development of Waterfall City – arguably “the single most significant project development in Gauteng over the past 20 years”, according to Rambau.
“Clearly defining and positioning the Gauteng region’s product offering in the global market through targeted marketing is essential in stimulating tourism. The right investments in key enabling infrastructure, product development and private-sector partnerships will create greater propensity for growth in air travel demand.”
Comparatively, Cape Town’s growing stature as a leisure, business and events destination, and as a hotspot for foreign property investors, provides consistent flow of overseas arrivals, Rambau pointed out.
