GEORGE NEWS - George Airport has reached its capacity after recording a significant increase in passenger numbers, highlighting the city’s continued growth as one of South Africa’s fastest-growing tourism and business destinations.
According to recent figures, more than 911 000 passengers travelled through George Airport during 2025 - an 11% increase on the previous year.
The growth has prompted Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) to plan a R310m expansion that will double the terminal’s capacity to accommodate up to two million passengers annually.
Construction is expected to begin in October.
The expansion comes as George continues to experience rapid population growth, increasing tourism and rising business investment. Over the past few years, the city has seen major developments in the healthcare, property and retail sectors, and the growing demand also places pressure on key transport infrastructure.
George Airport serves as the main gateway to the Garden Route, connecting thousands of leisure and business travellers to the region every week. Increased passenger numbers are also expected to benefit local tourism operators, accommodation establishments, restaurants, car rental companies and other businesses that rely on visitor spending.
While Acsa has confirmed the plans to expand the terminal, further details on what the R310m project will include have not yet been announced.
The project is expected to increase passenger capacity significantly and improve the overall travel experience.
The airport’s growth reflects a broader trend across South Africa, where regional airports are becoming increasingly important as travellers opt to fly directly to their destinations rather than through traditional metropolitan hubs.
Airport Ads director Mzukisi Deliwe said George’s growth reflects the increasing importance of regional airports.
“George’s expansion will create more opportunities to engage with leisure travellers, business owners, second-home owners and visitors travelling to the Garden Route,” he said.
George is not the only regional airport earmarked for investment.
Acsa’s wider R22b capital programme includes upgrades at several airports across the country, including King Phalo International Airport, Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, Upington International Airport, Bram Fischer International Airport and Kimberley Airport.
For George, however, the planned expansion represents more than additional terminal space.
It is another indication of the city’s growing importance as an economic and tourism hub, with passenger demand continuing to rise alongside investment in the region.
George Herald has approached Acsa for comment on what the expansion will entail, whether additional routes or airlines are planned, and how construction may affect passengers.
Over the past few years, the city has seen major developments.
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