Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) announces a groundbreaking R9 billion investment in Cape Town International Airport.
Image: David Ritchie/Independent Media
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) will channel more than R9 billion into a major infrastructure overhaul at Cape Town International Airport (CTIA), as part of its broader R21.7 billion national investment programme.
The airport operator confirmed that the Cape Town projects, including a new runway, domestic and international terminal expansions and apron upgrades, are collectively estimated at just over R10 billion, positioning the airport for long-term passenger and aircraft growth.
ACSA says the developments “reinforce ACSA’s long-term commitment to capacity expansion, operational excellence, and sustainable economic growth and represent one of the most strategic infrastructure investments in the airport’s continued growth trajectory.”
The centrepiece of the upgrade is a new, realigned 3,500 metre by 60 metre main runway, estimated at R6.39 billion. Contractor appointment is planned for December 2026.
The runway will be shifted eastward by 11.5 degrees to improve air traffic efficiency and unlock space for future terminal expansion. It will be Code F compliant, enabling it to accommodate next-generation aircraft.
The project will also include rapid exit taxiways and a partial parallel taxiway to reduce runway occupancy time and improve turnaround efficiency during peak travel periods.
The Domestic Terminal Building will undergo significant expansion, with the Domestic Arrivals Terminal estimated at R2.39 billion and the Domestic Departures Extension at R500 million. Construction is expected to commence in April 2027, subject to regulatory approvals.
Phased upgrades to the International Terminal Building, currently estimated at R863 million, will provide additional apron stands and improved immigration and passenger processing facilities.
Cape Town International Airport Acting Regional General Manager, Thabo Phateng, underscored the strategic value of the investment.
“These planned developments represent a significant step in strengthening Cape Town International Airport’s role as a critical economic gateway for the Western Cape and South Africa," said Phateng.
"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.”
ACSA stressed that construction will be carefully phased to limit disruption.
“All projects will be carefully phased to ensure continued operational performance and to minimise disruption to passengers and airline partners,” the company said.
The airport operator added that conceptual designs reveal “a reimagined passenger experience, one defined by comfort, accessibility, and operational efficiency,” although final designs remain subject to regulatory approval and phased implementation.
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