Business
Cape Town and King Shaka Airports Shine at the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards

South Africa’s aviation industry is soaring to new heights, as Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport were recently recognized as some of the best airports in the world. The accolades were awarded at the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards, held on April 9, 2025, during the Passenger Terminal EXPO in Madrid, Spain. These prestigious awards are based on customer satisfaction surveys conducted across more than 575 airports in 100 countries, with passengers evaluating various aspects of their travel experiences, including check-in, shopping, security, and overall comfort.
Cape Town International Airport: A Global Leader
Cape Town International Airport continues to cement its reputation as a leading global airport. In 2025, it earned three major awards: Best Airport in Africa, Best Airport Staff Service in Africa, and Cleanest Airport in Africa. These awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work of the teams at Cape Town International, who have consistently provided an exceptional experience for travelers. According to Mpumi Mpofu, CEO of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), “These recognitions affirm that we are on the right path and inspire us to continue raising the bar.”
King Shaka International Airport: Best Regional Airport in Africa
King Shaka International Airport, located in Durban, also made waves at the Skytrax Awards, being named the Best Regional Airport in Africa. This recognition highlights the airport’s commitment to providing a seamless and efficient travel experience, making it a vital gateway for both local and international travelers.
Intercontinental Hotel at OR Tambo Airport: An Award-Winning Stay
South Africa’s airports were further celebrated with the Intercontinental Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg winning the award for Best Airport Hotel in Africa. This recognition reinforces the exceptional standards of service provided by the country’s major transportation hubs.
Top Global Airports and the Leading Trends
While South Africa’s airports are earning their well-deserved accolades, the 2025 Skytrax awards also highlighted the global competition. Singapore’s Changi Airport claimed the title of Best Airport in the World for the 13th time, further solidifying its iconic status. Known for its stunning blend of modern architecture and nature, Changi continues to impress travelers with its signature features, such as the world’s tallest indoor waterfall housed in a glass-and-steel dome.
Hamad International Airport in Doha, ranked second in 2025, took home the award for World’s Best Airport Shopping, along with recognition as the Best Airport in the Middle East. Other notable mentions include Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, Incheon International Airport, and Hong Kong International Airport, which consistently rank among the top global destinations for air travel.
A Bright Future for South African Airports
The recognition of Cape Town International and King Shaka International Airports at the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards reflects the ongoing growth and excellence of South African aviation. With an unwavering focus on improving passenger experience, safety, and service quality, these airports are well on their way to becoming key players on the world stage.
As South Africa continues to elevate its travel infrastructure, it remains a top destination for international travelers, offering a seamless and memorable experience from the moment they step off the plane.
{Source BusinessTech}
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com