Cape Town Airport Immigration Gets Major Boost Ahead of Tourism Surge

Cape Town International Airport is gearing up for a smoother holiday season as a fresh partnership has nearly doubled its immigration staff — a much-needed relief for travellers and the tourism sector alike.

A Collaborative Effort

In a joint initiative announced on Monday, August 18, the Border Management Agency (BMA), the Western Cape Government (WCG), and the City of Cape Town (COCT) confirmed that 48 additional personnel will be deployed at immigration counters. This includes 24 interns from the Premier’s First Work Experience programme and 24 law enforcement officers seconded by the City.

For passengers, this could mean less time waiting in long queues and more time exploring the city’s iconic attractions. For the tourism industry, it signals a proactive approach to protecting jobs and growing the economy.

Fixing A Long-Standing Problem

Staff shortages at the airport have been a persistent issue since 2019, when immigration resources peaked at over 110 personnel. By this year, that number had dropped to just 66, resulting in delays that frustrated visitors and left Cape Town lagging behind international standards.

In fact, regional airport manager Mark Maclean previously flagged immigration bottlenecks as the single biggest hurdle facing Cape Town International. Waiting times had stretched to 20 minutes on average — double the international standard of 10 minutes.

The new boost in staffing is expected to ease that pressure significantly.

Tourism And Economic Growth In Mind

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde described the initiative as part of a broader push to grow tourism through the province’s Air Access programme, which helps attract new direct flights. “These young women and men will not only help give operations a boost, they will also serve as ambassadors for our province,” he said.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis took it a step further, highlighting how even small improvements at the airport ripple through the entire economy: “A smoother, faster experience at the airport means tourists get to Table Mountain before sunset, and the tour guide in Langa does not lose his business due to airport delays.”

The timing couldn’t be better. Cape Town welcomed three million international passengers in 2024, with December alone seeing one million travellers. Forecasts predict a further 4.6% increase in arrivals between July and December this year.

The Bigger Picture

Behind the scenes, the BMA is still operating under serious strain. Earlier this year, Commissioner Michael Masiapato admitted to Parliament that the agency is severely understaffed, with just 2 606 employees compared to the 11 000 needed nationwide. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber praised the local partnership as a “vote of confidence” in the BMA during these tough circumstances, noting that the agency is battling a R4.3 billion budget shortfall.

Why It Matters

For a city that relies heavily on tourism, every touchpoint matters — from the airport immigration line to the township tour bus. By easing pressure at Cape Town International, the partnership isn’t just solving a logistical headache; it’s laying the groundwork for a stronger tourism economy and a more welcoming experience for millions of visitors.

Source:Travel News 

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