Ongoing security concern on airport route
The N2 highway connecting Cape Town International Airport to the city center remains a dangerous hotspot for vehicle hijackings, according to a Cape Argus report published May 19, 2026.
The N2 is one of the primary routes used by travelers arriving at and departing from the airport, making this an ongoing concern for visitors to Cape Town.
What travelers should do
- Consider using the M5 or alternative routes when traveling to or from the airport, particularly during early morning or evening hours
- Book registered airport shuttle services or ride-hailing apps with verified drivers rather than renting vehicles immediately upon arrival
- If driving, keep windows up, doors locked, and remain vigilant at traffic lights and in slow-moving traffic
- Avoid displaying valuables or luggage that may be visible through car windows
- Travel during daylight hours when possible
Visitors should stay informed about current conditions through their accommodation providers or local authorities.
Cited sources
Reporting from the outlets below.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cape Town safe to travel to right now?
The N2 highway to Cape Town International Airport continues to be a high-risk area for vehicle hijackings, travelers should use alternative routes or secure transport. See Kakapo's live Cape Town safety report for the up-to-date composite score, neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood breakdown, and per-source advisories from US State Dept, UK FCDO, Canadian government, and Australian Smartraveller.
What happened in Cape Town?
Cape Town airport route remains hijacking hotspot. The N2 highway to Cape Town International Airport continues to be a high-risk area for vehicle hijackings, travelers should use alternative routes or secure transport. This is a trend based on reporting from major travel-news outlets — see the cited sources below for the original coverage.
Should I cancel my trip to Cape Town?
Most travel-safety events do not require cancelling a planned trip. Read the "What it means for travelers" section above for the specific guidance, check the live Cape Town safety report for the current overall score, and consult your travel insurance for cancellation eligibility. Kakapo updates the Cape Town safety profile as new advisories land.
Where can I find more travel safety news?
Kakapo publishes new travel-safety updates as events develop, sourced from BBC, Reuters, the Guardian, Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, France 24, US State Dept, and UK FCDO. Visit the live travel-news feed at kakapo.travel/travel-news for the latest.
