STATEMENT BY THE CITY’S MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, ALDERMAN JAMES VOS
Cape Town Calls for Open Skies: Boost Economy, Lower Air Travel Costs
I have written to the Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy who oversees aviation in our country, urging the National Government to implement an Open Skies Policy. This is not just about aviation – it’s about unlocking economic growth, tourism, and trade opportunities for Cape Town and South Africa.
An Open Skies Policy – successfully adopted in various regions globally – removes restrictions on air routes, capacity, pricing, and market access, enabling airlines to operate more freely and competitively. The benefits are clear: increased connectivity, lower airfares, and more opportunities for businesses and travellers.
South Africa is a signatory to both the Yamoussoukro Decision and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)- key agreements designed to liberalise air transport across Africa. However, despite these commitments, bureaucratic and protectionist barriers continue to limit our airspace’s full potential.
The demand for air travel to Cape Town speaks for itself – Cape Town International Airport has exceeded its 2024 passenger target by 125%. This proves that our city is a leading aviation hub. But without a fully liberalised air transport framework, we are holding back investment, tourism, and job creation.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that air liberalisation could create 155 000 new jobs and contribute over R24 billion to GDP annually. Additionally, with every 12 international arrivals supporting one job in tourism, making flights more accessible means more opportunities for South Africans.
I am calling on National Government to take these urgent actions:
- Fast-track our country’s Single African Air Transport Market commitments: Accelerate air access rights and bilateral agreements in Africa
- Strengthen competition regulations: For fairer and more affordable air travel
- Rapidly scale-up infrastructure investment: Expand capacity and efficiency at key airports
- Grant more traffic rights: Introduce phased rights to key markets to stimulate competition and connectivity
As Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, I have been actively engaging with global airlines and stakeholders to attract more flights, demonstrating our city’s value as an investment destination. The Open Skies Policy is critical to furthering this work, boosting our visitor economy, and positioning Cape Town as the gateway to Africa.
I remain committed to working with partners to make this vision a reality because a more connected Cape Town means a stronger economy for all.
