Airfreight volumes through South Africa’s busiest international airport have risen 13% year-on-year, the latest Cargo Movement Update (CMU) reports.
Compiled by the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff) and Business Unity SA (Busa), CMU data for inbound and outbound shipments until March 16, found week-on-week increases in both segments.
Imports measured 628 476kg, a 14% increase, and 386 267kg for exports, a five percent increase for OR Tambo International, which handles about 87% of the country’s international airfreight.
The CMU says: “The current trends indicate that volumes are about 13% above the average (year-on-year) levels of 2024.”
Looked at from a pre-pandemic perspective, airfreight volumes have generally increased by 30% since 2020.
Saaff and Busa point out: “Domestically, South Africa's aviation sector faces considerable challenges due to critical skills shortages, equipment failures, and outdated Air Traffic and Navigation Services procedures, leading to extensive flight delays and cancellations.
“Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has acknowledged these issues and initiated an urgent action plan to address them, aiming to prevent a catastrophic breakdown in aviation safety.”
