• ACSA plans $695m upgrade and expansion of Cape Town airport
• Project includes new runway, terminals and expanded passenger facilities
• Expansion aims to support rising traffic and tourism growth

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) plans to invest about 11.3 billion rand ($695.4 million) to upgrade and expand Cape Town International Airport (CTIA), local media reported in late February, citing company spokesperson Ofentse Dijoe. The project aims to increase capacity and modernise ageing facilities as air traffic and tourist arrivals continue to rise.

The programme covers upgrades across passenger and airside infrastructure. ACSA plans to expand the car rental area to accommodate more operators and increase parking capacity. It will also build a new domestic arrivals terminal, extend the domestic departures terminal with three additional boarding bridges and larger lounges, and upgrade the international terminal to improve passenger flow and reduce congestion.

The company also plans to build a new runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A380-800 and Boeing 747-8. The investment package includes installing a new perimeter fence to strengthen airport security. The first construction tender is expected in June, with a contract award planned for December, pending the completion of procurement procedures.

Traffic at CTIA is expected to keep growing. The airport handled 11.1 million passengers in 2025, according to current projections. The expansion also aligns with the government’s strategy to attract 21 million tourist arrivals.

Beyond its national impact, the project reflects South Africa’s ambition to strengthen its position as a major aviation hub in Africa and a gateway to the continent.

However, several competing hubs, including Addis Ababa, Casablanca, Nairobi, Kigali and Luanda, are also expanding their infrastructure as they compete for a larger share of Africa’s rapidly growing air travel market.

Henoc Dossa