[Image: Wikimedia Commons]
Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) and Durban’s own King Shaka International Airport (KSIA) strutted their stuff on the global stage at the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards, making the country proud while the rest of the world adjusted their tray tables in envy.
The awards bash went down on April 9 at the Passenger Terminal EXPO in Madrid, Spain, Cape Argus reported – and when the dust settled, CTIA was basically doing a victory lap.
The Mother City’s airport bagged not one, not two, but three heavyweight titles: best airport in Africa, best airport staff service in Africa, and cleanest airport in Africa.
If airports had trophy cabinets, CTIA’s would need an extension by now.
These wins aren’t just shiny plaques for the wall; they’re proof of the hustle, polish, and borderline perfectionism of the teams making sure every passenger – whether flying in flip-flops or first class – gets a world-class send-off.
Not to be outdone, Durban’s King Shaka International Airport flexed its muscles too, snatching the title of best regional airport in Africa. Call it the Zulu Kingdom’s crown jewel, now with international bragging rights baked into its runway.
This accolade is more than just a pat on the back. It cements KSIA’s status as the kind of place where the journey feels just as slick as the destination – a hub that treats travellers well, whether you’re jetting off to Joburg or Johannesburg, California.
All this global fanfare isn’t handed out like airport peanuts. The Skytrax awards are grounded in hard numbers, built on one of the world’s largest passenger surveys, with input from jet-setters spanning over 100 nationalities and reviews covering a mind-boggling 575 airports.
For King Shaka International Airport, being crowned the best regional airport in Africa is no small feat. The survey, which ran from August 2024 to February 2025, drilled into every stage of the passenger journey – from check-in charm to departure gate swagger.
“These awards, based on feedback from passengers, reflect the dedication of our teams and the faith that passengers continue to place in our airports,” said Mpumi Mpofu, CEO of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).
“Our goal is to provide a seamless, safe, and enjoyable travel experience for all who pass through our airports. These recognitions affirm that we are on the right path and inspire us to continue raising the bar.”
And just when you thought ACSA had tapped out, the InterContinental Hotel at O.R. Tambo International Airport swooped in with its own piece of hardware, scooping up the title of Best Airport Hotel in Africa. Yep, even layovers in South Africa deserve five-star treatment.
It’s all part of ACSA’s master plan for not just moving people around but making sure the journey feels less like a chore and more like part of the adventure.
Mpofu wrapped it up best: “ACSA extends its gratitude to every traveller who shared their experiences and cast their vote. This vote of confidence reaffirms our commitment to acquiring, developing, and managing world-class airports that not only deliver exceptional customer experiences but also drive socio-economic development for South Africa.”
Travel easy, everyone.
[Source: Cape Argus]
