Upgrades for one of South Africa’s busiest airports

The Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) is set to receive more than R10 billion in upgrades thanks to the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).

Infrastructure upgrades, including a new, realigned main runway and expansion of the domestic and international terminal buildings, form part of ACSA’s R21.7 billion investment programme across its entire network.

These developments represent some of the most strategic infrastructure investments in the airport’s long-term growth and expansion.

The most significant of these is the realigned main runway, which, despite a contractor only expected to be appointed by December, will have an estimated budget of around R6.4 billion.

ACSA says this project will increase runway capacity and strengthen operational resilience by optimising aircraft movement patterns.

The runway, which will measure 3,500 metres by 60 metres, will be shifted 11.5 degrees eastward to improve air traffic efficiency, unlocking critical passenger terminal capacity development space within the airport precinct.

As part of the development, rapid exit taxiways and a partial parallel taxiway will be developed to reduce runway occupancy time and improve aircraft turnaround efficiency.

ACSA says these enhancements are expected to strengthen on-time performance during peak travel periods, while increasing scheduling flexibility and overall reliability.

The new runway will be fully Code F compliant, meaning it will be able to accommodate next-generation aircraft, which reinforces Cape Town International Airport’s position as a top airport globally.

Alongside the runway upgrades, the expansion of the current domestic terminal building is expected to commence in April next year, while phased developments within the international terminal are expected as well.

These are subject to final regulatory approvals and procurement processes. 

In total, the identified capacity development projects at Cape Town International Airport are estimated to cost approximately R10.143 billion.

Terminal upgrades

Upgrades to domestic terminals are expected to cost around R3 billion, with R2.4 billion spent on the domestic arrivals terminal and R500 million on the domestic departures extension.

These expansions will increase passenger processing capacity, improve movement through the terminal, and modernise the terminal environment.

Provision will be made for additional domestic contact gates and airbridges, while an expanded apron capacity will support increased aircraft parking and movement.

Beyond the domestic terminals, the airport will redevelop the international terminal building for an estimated R863 million.

Enhancements include additional apron stands, expanded commercial and lounge offerings, and improvements to immigration processing and bussing gates.

Additional enhancements include increased security screening capacity, improved baggage reclaim facilities, prayer and family spaces, and bathroom facilities.

Increased aircraft contact gates are expected to reduce bussing, while modernised retail and food environments are in the works as well.

Proposed designs prioritise natural light, allowing for intuitive wayfinding and improved passenger flow, which the company hopes will create a more seamless, passenger-focused journey across both terminals.

ACSA expects these developments to support regional economic growth thanks to improved connectivity, enhanced tourism access and the strengthening of trade facilitation.

CTIA Acting Regional General Manager, Thabo Phateng, explained that the developments represent a significant step in strengthening the airport’s role as a critical local economic gateway.

“By expanding capacity and enhancing operational resilience, we are positioning the airport to support sustained passenger growth, tourism expansion, trade facilitation and long-term regional economic development,” he said.

ACSA confirmed that all projects are being carefully planned to ensure minimal disruption to passengers and continued operation.

Coordination with airlines, commercial partners and regulatory authorities is also being planned to ensure operational continuity throughout the construction phases.

Renderings of terminal upgrades