Cape Town International Airport Infrastructure Programme: Supporting Economic Growth and Capacity Expansion

The Cape Town International Airport Infrastructure Programme: Fueling Economic Growth and Capacity Expansion

Cape Town International Airport (CTIA), one of South Africa's premier gateways, is embarking on a transformative journey. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has unveiled a major phased infrastructure programme valued at approximately R10.143 billion (around $624 million USD) specifically for CTIA. This forms part of ACSA's broader R21.7 billion national investment commitment to modernize and expand its airport network.

Announced in February 2026, these upgrades aim to boost capacity, enhance operational efficiency, and solidify CTIA's position as a vital economic engine for the Western Cape and South Africa as a whole.

Driving Economic Growth

As Thabo Phateng, Acting Regional General Manager at Cape Town International Airport, stated:

“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. 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.”

The programme is expected to:

Accommodate rising passenger and aircraft volumes driven by tourism recovery and business travel.

Improve connectivity, making Cape Town more accessible for international visitors and exporters.

Stimulate job creation and supply-chain opportunities during construction and beyond.

Support broader regional goals, including trade flows and positioning the city as a competitive global destination.

Local leaders, such as the City of Cape Town’s MMC for Economic Growth James Vos, have welcomed the investment, noting it will strengthen the city's competitiveness and unlock future growth opportunities.

Key Components of the Upgrade Programme

The developments are phased to minimize disruption while delivering long-term benefits. Highlights include:

New Realigned Main Runway (Flagship Project)

Estimated cost: R6.39 billion

Dimensions: 3,500 m × 60 m

Realignment: Shifted eastward by 11.5 degrees for better air traffic efficiency

Benefits: Reduced runway occupancy times, improved on-time performance, and unlocked space for terminal expansions

Timeline: Contractor appointment planned for December 2026

Domestic Terminal Expansions

Domestic Arrivals upgrade: R2.39 billion

Domestic Departures extension: R500 million

Features: Increased passenger processing capacity, better circulation, modernized facilities, additional contact gates, airbridges, and expanded apron space

Timeline: Construction anticipated to start in April 2027 (subject to final regulatory approvals and procurement)

International Terminal Enhancements

Estimated cost: R863 million

Improvements: Additional apron stands, faster immigration processing, expanded commercial offerings, and upgraded lounge facilities

These upgrades will make CTIA more resilient and future-ready, aligning with projected demand growth while maintaining high standards of safety and passenger experience.

Temporary Disruption, Permanent Progress

While construction may cause some temporary disruptions to passenger movements, ACSA is committed to careful phasing and clear communication. The end result? A world-class airport better equipped to handle growing tourism, business, and trade demands—ultimately contributing to job creation, economic diversification, and South Africa's global connectivity.

Stay tuned for updates as these projects progress. Cape Town International Airport is not just expanding infrastructure—it's investing in the region's prosperity.