In a landmark moment for South Africa’s tourism and aviation sectors, Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) has been ranked the best airport in the world, according to the newly released AirHelp Score 2025.
The prestigious ranking, which evaluates airports on on-time performance, customer experience, and quality of service, awarded CTIA an overall score of 8.57 – placing it ahead of some of the globe’s most renowned airports.
Cape Town scored 8.6 for punctuality and an impressive 8.7 for passenger experience, highlighting the airport’s commitment to operational excellence and warm hospitality.
“This one hits different,” commented one traveller, echoing the sentiments of many who described their CTIA arrival as friendly, smooth, and stress-free.
Beating global giants
CTIA outperformed major international hubs, including:
- Hamad International Airport (Qatar)
- Riyadh King Khaled International Airport (Saudi Arabia)
- Brasília International Airport (Brazil)
- Muscat International Airport (Oman)
- Salt Lake City International Airport (USA)
While many global airports have struggled with efficiency and service consistency, Cape Town International has distinguished itself through timely operations, clean facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere – offering travellers an ideal start or end to their journeys.
Gateway to the Mother City
Framed by Table Mountain, close to vineyards and penguin-lined beaches, CTIA is more than an airport – it’s the gateway to one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
The win comes as a boost for South Africa’s tourism industry, reinforcing its global appeal and positioning Cape Town as a top-tier travel hub in 2025.
About AirHelp Score
The AirHelp Score is one of the most comprehensive global rankings of airports, based on data from passengers and independent metrics.
It reflects how airports perform under pressure while delivering a superior experience.
Which is South Africa’s best airport in your opinion?
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