The City of Cape Town is urging national government to implement an “open skies” policy to drive economic growth, enhance tourism and improve air travel accessibility. James Vos, Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, has written to Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy requesting a shift towards air transport liberalisation.

According to a statement made by Vos, an open skies policy will remove restrictions on air routes, pricing and market access to enable airlines to operate freely and competitively and this liberalisation policy has been successfully adopted in various regions worldwide where it has increased connectivity, lowered airfares and expanded economic opportunities.

“Demand for improved air access is evident in Cape Town International Airport exceeding its 2024 passenger target by 125%. Bureaucratic and protectionist barriers continue to restrict aviation growth despite South Africa’s commitments to the Yamoussoukro Decision and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) aiming to liberalise air transport across Africa,” said Vos.

“According to IATA, liberalising South Africa’s airspace could create 155 000 new jobs and contribute over R24 billion (€1.2 billion) to GDP annually. Every 12 international arrivals support one job in the tourism sector – reinforcing the economic benefits of increased air connectivity.” Vos continued.

Vos called on national government to take the following steps:

• Accelerate SAATM commitments: Fast-track air access rights and bilateral agreements in Africa.
• Enhance competition regulations: Promote fair and affordable air travel.
• Expand airport infrastructure: Invest in key airports to improve capacity and efficiency.
• Increase traffic rights: Introduce phased rights for key markets to encourage competition.

Vos emphasised Cape Town’s potential as a leading aviation and investment hub: “I have been actively engaging with global airlines and stakeholders to attract more flights and investment. The open skies policy is essential to furthering this work and positioning Cape Town as the gateway to Africa.”