Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has taken a significant leap forward in enhancing passenger convenience with the introduction of real-time baggage tracking on the ACSA Mobile App. The new feature marks a major milestone in ACSA’s ongoing digital transformation strategy, which aims to make travel through South Africa’s airports smoother, more transparent, and increasingly user-friendly.

The baggage tracking upgrade allows passengers to follow their checked luggage from the moment it is handed over at the check-in counter, through the sorting and handling process, all the way until it is loaded onto the aircraft. Travellers simply enter their booking reference and flight date into the app to access immediate updates on the status and movement of their belongings. This level of visibility, once a major challenge in airline travel, now puts valuable information directly in the hands of passengers.

ACSA says the new feature was developed in response to growing expectations from travelers who now rely heavily on digital tools for planning, managing, and monitoring their journeys. Beyond offering convenience, the real-time tracking system is expected to reduce anxiety related to lost or delayed luggage, one of the most common frustrations among air passengers globally. By providing timely updates, ACSA aims to build greater trust in its baggage handling operations and strengthen the overall passenger experience.

Speaking about the launch, Sello Makhubela, ACSA Interim Chief Information Officer, emphasized the impact of the new technology on customer experience. “This enhancement is a significant step in our digital transformation journey. By empowering passengers with real-time visibility of their baggage, we are not only improving convenience but also strengthening trust in our operational processes. Technology enables us to better serve our passengers, and this feature is one of many innovations aimed at delivering a seamless, world-class travel experience.”

Beyond improving traveler confidence, the baggage tracking system also supports operational efficiency. Airport staff can use the tool’s data to monitor luggage flow, identify bottlenecks, and ensure timely loading and transfer of baggage. The result is a smoother-handled process that benefits both passengers and airport operations teams.

The updated ACSA Mobile App, with the new baggage tracking functionality, will be available for download starting Tuesday, 18 November 2025 on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei AppGallery. This rollout ensures accessibility across a wide range of devices used by both domestic and international travelers.

The introduction of this feature aligns with ACSA’s broader vision of creating modern, digitally enabled airports across its network, including major hubs such as OR Tambo International, Cape Town International, and King Shaka International airports. Over the coming years, ACSA plans to introduce additional smart features designed to streamline the travel process, from improved self-service options to enhanced security and boarding efficiency.

As global travel continues to evolve, ACSA remains committed to providing innovative solutions that keep South Africa’s airports at the forefront of passenger experience. The new baggage tracking feature represents a major step toward building a more transparent, reliable, and seamless airport journey, one that meets the expectations of today’s digital-first traveller.

Africa News

A new ACSA app feature now lets passengers track their checked bags in real time.