Business

SA air passenger numbers recover

28 January 2010

The number of travellers using South African airports in December increased for the first time since March last year, Airports Company SA (Acsa) said on Tuesday.

Statistics show that the number of travellers increased by four percent in December from the previous year, Acsa spokesman Solomon Makgale said in a statement.

"We are very pleased with the improved passenger traffic performance during the December period. It is a good indication that indeed the economic climate is starting to improve following the recession," he said.

The number of travellers increased to 2.9-million people departing and arriving through South Africa's airports.

The airport with the best growth was Durban International airport, with an 11 percent increase to 400 000 passengers.

OR Tambo in Johannesburg and Cape Town International both increased by four percent. OR Tambo had 1.6-million passengers, while Cape Town served 736 000.

Sapa