Airports Council International (ACI) World, in collaboration with travel technology leader Amadeus, has unveiled the winners of the prestigious 2024 ASQ Airport Experience Awards. These globally recognized awards celebrate excellence in airport customer service, based entirely on real-time passenger feedback.
South Africa’s Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN) in Bloemfontein has been named the Best Airport (Under 2 Million Passengers per Year) in Africa. George Airport (GRJ) in George also ranked highly, securing second place in the same category. Additionally, George Airport (GRJ) was recognized (2nd in Africa) for providing one of the “Easiest Airport Journeys”, highlighting its seamless travel experience for passengers.
The Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards are based on the world’s most comprehensive airport passenger satisfaction survey, ensuring fair comparisons across global airports. The methodology relies on live surveys conducted at airports, capturing authentic traveler experiences.
In 2024, the ASQ program hit a major milestone, with nearly 700,000 surveys completed. Over half of the world’s air travellers passed through an ASQ-rated airport, reinforcing the program’s role in shaping international service standards. A record 181 ASQ Awards were presented to 95 airports worldwide, celebrating their dedication to exceptional passenger experiences.
Stay tuned for more updates on South Africa’s top travel destinations and aviation news!
13 March 2025
South African Airports Shine in 2024 ASQ Airport Experience Awards
27 January 2025
Western Cape: Flight disruptions expected at George Airport (GRJ) due to severe weather! [update #2]
update (28 January 2025): Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) has released an updater egarding the flight disruptions that began yesterday at George Airport (GRJ) in George in South Africa's Western Cape due to severe inclement weather conditions.
The airport is still affected by a low cloud base and strong surface winds that make landing on Runway 29 not feasible. Aircraft are therefore forced to operate on Runway 11, whose instrument landing system (ILS) flight procedure is still under maintenance. As a result, some flights are forced to divert as a safety precaution.
update (28 January 2025): According to FlySafair, adverse weather conditions are still affecting flight operations at George Airport (GRJ) in George in South Africa's Western Cape.
Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), the company responsible for air traffic, navigation, training, and related services in South Africa, has announced that flight disruptions are expected at George Airport (GRJ) in George in South Africa's Western Cape today due to severe weather conditions.
ATNS has indicated that the current weather conditions around the airport are not safe for aircraft operations. The wind direction requires the use of Runway 11, but its instrument landing system (ILS) flight procedure is still undergoing maintenance. Stay tuned for updates!
21 October 2024
George Airport (GRJ): Adverse weather conditions are currently affecting operations! [update]
update (21 October 2024): Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), which operates George Airport (GRJ), confirmed that due to adverse weather conditions, some flights to and from George Airport (GRJ) have been cancelled until further notice.
Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), the company that provides air traffic, navigation, training and associated services within South Africa, has informed the public that inclement weather conditions are currently affecting operations at George Airport (GRJ) in George in South Africa's Western Cape. According to ATNS, this adverse weather is negatively impacting airport operations. We'll keep you posted!
Runway Status:
Runway 29 (RWY 29): Although RWY 29 has a valid flight procedure, it is currently unavailable due to prevailing wind conditions. This may result in flight delays and potential diversions.
Runway 11 (RWY 11): Wind direction favours this runway, however, the flight procedure for RWY 11 was submitted to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) for approval yesterday. We are expecting an outcome soon. [src.]
13 October 2023
George (Western Cape): George Airport (GRJ) is currently experiencing technical disruptions due to power cuts! [update]
update (13 August 2023): According to ACSA, George Airport (GRJ) in George is fully operational again.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has announced that George Airport (GRJ) in George in South Africa's Western Cape is currently experiencing technical disruptions due to unforeseen power related challenges. These disruptions have impacted the airport's IT systems, including check-in services, parking operations and flight information displays. Work is underway to restore full functionality to the airport's systems. We'll keep you posted!
07 March 2018
Survey: King Shaka International Airport in Durban named third-best airport in Africa!
The annual Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards recognize and reward the best airports in the world according to ACI's ASQ passenger satisfaction survey. The annual Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards recognize and reward the best airports in the world according to ACI's ASQ passenger satisfaction survey. 74% of the world's top 100 busiest airports are part of the ASQ network which delivers 600,000 individual surveys per year in 42 languages in 84 countries. The programme served 343 airports in 2017.
26 June 2015
South Africa: George Airport will be the first regional airport to run off solar energy alone!
George Airport (GRJ), located in George in the Western Cape, will be the first regional airport in South Africa to run off solar energy alone. In the first phase of the solar power project it will produce up to 750kW and in the second phase a 1MW peak. Once the first phase of the project is completed (by the end of June 2015), the plant will provide George Airport (GRJ) with 41% of its power daily.
The construction of the solar power plant at George Airport (GRJ) started in May 2015. Other regional airports around South Africa are expected to follow the solar energy route soon. We'll keep you posted!