Cape Town airport wins top Africa MICE award as international flights surge - IOL
Cape Town International Airport has won the Best Airport Supporting MICE category at the Africa MICE Awards 2026.
Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) has been named the winner for the Best Airport Supporting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions/Events) category at the Africa MICE Awards 2026.
The awards ceremony took place on Friday, October 2, in Mombasa, Kenya.
According to Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the award comes as CTIA gears up for what is expected to be its busiest peak season yet, with continued growth in both passenger numbers and international connectivity.
Acting Regional Manager at CTIA, Malcolm Koopman, said the continued growth in connectivity reinforces the airport’s role as an important economic enabler for the region.
“Every new route and returning service strengthens Cape Town’s connection to the world. More connectivity brings more visitors to our region, creates opportunities for trade and investment, supports businesses and jobs, and contributes to economic growth across Cape Town and the Western Cape,” Koopman said.
He said their focus remains on safe operations and supporting a positive passenger experience as they welcome increased passenger volumes through the airport.
For the 2026/27 peak travel season, Cape Town is expected to add about 250,000 additional two-way international seats, a 12% increase in international capacity. The city will be served by 26 international airlines, connecting Cape Town to 33 destinations across 38 routes, with 255 international flights per week.
“This follows a record-breaking 2025, during which CTIA handled approximately 11.1 million two-way passengers, representing 7% year-on-year growth. The increase in connectivity is also reflected in new and returning services,” Koopman said.
Airlink commenced its new direct service between Cape Town and Mauritius on October 2, with its new direct service between Cape Town and Zanzibar launched on October 3.
“These new routes further strengthen Cape Town’s regional and Indian Ocean connectivity. Cape Town has also welcomed the return of seasonal international services from Edelweiss, Norse Atlantic, Condor and Air France, with Virgin Atlantic set to resume services from October 14,” Koopman said.
He said the continued expansion of Cape Town’s air network gives travellers more choice while strengthening the connections that support tourism, trade, investment and economic activity across Cape Town and the Western Cape.
“As the international gateway to Cape Town and the Western Cape, CTIA continues to work closely with all stakeholders to strengthen connectivity and support tourism, trade and economic activity across the region,” Koopman said.
