Lost and Found Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

Have you lost something at Cape Town International Airport ? Find out how to report a lost item at South Africa’s second-busiest airport.

About Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

Cape Town International Airport is South Africa’s second-largest airport and serves as the primary gateway to the Western Cape region. Located approximately 20 kilometers east of Cape Town’s city center in Matroosfontein, the airport connects South Africa to destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

As a major hub for tourists visiting Table Mountain, the Cape Winelands, and the scenic Garden Route, as well as business travelers, Cape Town International handles millions of passengers annually. With such significant traffic, personal items are inevitably left behind, but the airport maintains a Lost Property service to assist travelers in recovering their belongings.

What Should You Do If You’ve Lost Something at Cape Town Airport ?

Losing an item at Cape Town International Airport can disrupt your travel plans, but the airport provides a Lost Property service to help you recover your personal items. Whether your item was misplaced at security, in a departure lounge, or at one of the airport’s restaurants, here’s what you need to know.

Have you lost something in Cape Town Airport ? From check-in counters to boarding gates, personal belongings are left behind daily.

How to report a lost item in Cape Town International Airport ?

If you’ve misplaced your item somewhere in the airport, the information below will guide you through the reporting process. Acting quickly is important, as early reporting improves your chances of recovery.

When filing your report, be as specific as possible:

• A complete description of the item (color, brand, model, unique identifiers)
• The location and approximate time it may have been lost
• Your airline, flight number, and terminal information
• Your contact details including email address and phone number

You can also complete and send in the Lost Item Report Form on our platform so that our team can assist you in reporting your lost item(s).

Lost something in the airport ?

If you lost your item within the airport facilities (check-in area, security, waiting lounges, shops, restaurants, baggage claim), contact the Cape Town International Airport Lost Property Office.

Cape Town International Airport – Lost Property Office

• Address: Matroosfontein, Cape Town, 7490, South Africa
• Opening hours: Contact the main airport number for current office hours

When calling, ask to be connected to the Lost Property Office or Lost and Found department.

Item(s) lost on the plane

If you left something onboard your aircraft, you need to contact your airline directly. The airport Lost Property office does not manage items left on planes. Each airline maintains its own lost and found procedures for onboard items.

Are airlines responsible for lost items ?

Airlines are generally responsible for items left onboard their aircraft, including items in seat pockets, overhead bins, or lavatories. However, they are not responsible for items lost in the terminal. If you’ve left something on a plane, report it to your airline’s ground staff immediately while still at the airport for the best chance of recovery.

What happens to lost property at airports ?

Found items at Cape Town International Airport are held by the Lost Property office for a specific retention period. Items that remain unclaimed after this time may be disposed of, donated to charity, or handled according to South African regulations. High-value items and important documents like passports are typically retained longer and may be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.

Common Places Where Items Are Lost at CPT

Travelers most frequently lose items in these areas:

• Security Checkpoints – Electronics, belts, wallets, and travel documents left in screening bins
• Departure Lounges – Books, chargers, and personal items forgotten when boarding is announced
• Duty-Free Shops – Shopping bags or purchases left at counters
• Restaurants and Cafés – Phones, tablets, or bags left at tables
• Restrooms – Personal care items, glasses, or small accessories
• Baggage Claim – Small personal items overlooked while collecting luggage

Research shows that over 40% of lost items occur in public places such as airports and public transportation.

Tips for International Travelers

If you’re an international visitor to South Africa:

• Keep the Lost Property contact information in your phone
• Report losses before leaving the airport if possible
• Take photos of valuable items and note serial numbers before traveling
• Check your travel insurance policy for coverage of lost personal items
• If you’ve already left Cape Town, inquire about courier delivery options (fees apply)

How long does the airport keep found items ?

While specific policies may vary, most airports retain unclaimed items for 30 to 90 days. Important documents like passports or identification may be kept longer. It’s crucial to report your lost item as soon as possible and follow up regularly to check if it’s been found.

Claiming Your Lost Property

If your item is found, the Lost Property office will contact you using the information from your report. To claim your property:

• Present valid photo identification
• Provide your report reference number if available
• Be prepared to describe the item in detail to verify ownership
• Bring proof of travel (boarding pass, ticket) if requested

For items of significant value, additional verification may be required.

Lost Luggage or Item Left on the Plane ?

For checked baggage issues or items left onboard aircraft:

• Contact your airline’s baggage services immediately
• Locate their desk in the arrivals area
• Provide your baggage claim tags and flight details
• Keep all documentation for insurance or compensation claims

The airport Lost Property office only handles items lost in public terminal areas.

Recent Lost Items Reported at Cape Town International airport

If you have lost one or several item(s), you will find information on how to contact a lost and found property service on this page.
 

Contact information following the loss of an item

Name : Cape Town International Airport - Lost Property Office
Address : Matroosfontein, Cape Town, 7490, South Africa
Phone number : +27 (021) 937 1200
Opening hours :
Website : https://capetown-airport.co.za/contact/

List of the main items found

• Lost Personal Items : Keys, ID, Passport, Wallet, Documents, Badge, Licence (...)
• Lost Electronics : Phone, Tablet, Device charger, Camera, Laptop, Headphones (...)
• Lost Accessories : Purse, Bag, Backpack, Sunglasses, Eyeglasses, Jewellery (...)
• Lost Clothing : Gloves, Cap, Hat, Scarf, Sweater, Coat, Vest (...)

Browsing : Lost and Found > South Africa > Cape Town International Airport (CPT)