Cape Town to Spend US$682M on Cape Town Airport Upgrades

‍CAPE TOWN — Big changes are coming to Cape Town International Airport (CPT). An article on engineeringnews.co.za reports that a new domestic arrivals terminal, extensions to the existing departures terminal, Code F aircraft stands, and a new runway are all in the works.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) will spend an estimated R11.3 billion (US$682 million) to upgrade and expand the airport. According to ACSA spokesperson Ofentse Dijoe, the infrastructure program forms part of the airport’s long-term capital investment strategy aimed at “strengthening capacity, modernizing ageing infrastructure and supporting projected passenger growth.”

The program also includes expansion of the car rental precinct at a cost of R205 million (US$12.3 million) to accommodate additional operators and increased vehicle capacity. This project is expected to take 30 months to complete once contractors are appointed.

Domestic terminal

Improvements to the Domestic Arrivals Terminal will include three additional passenger-loading bridges with contact stands, expanded lounge facilities, additional baggage reclaim belts, modernized ablution facilities, improved passenger circulation, reduced walking distances, expanded meet-and-greet areas, and more retail and food options.

The terminal was last remodeled beginning in 2006 and has since reached capacity. These renovations are expected to take 85 months to complete once contractors have been appointed.

International terminal

The planned upgrades to the International Terminal will address operational pinch points, including capacity constraints in the arrivals and departures areas. The work is intended to improve passenger processing flow, circulation, and amenities. These renovations are expected to take 60 months once contractors are appointed.

Airfield

The airfield will see construction of a new Code F-compliant runway with associated airfield services, including two new Code F aircraft contact stands, the reconfiguration of an existing Code E stand to accommodate Code F aircraft, and three new narrow-body Code C aircraft stands.

Code F refers to aircraft with a wingspan of between 69 m and 79 m, such as the Airbus A380-800 or Boeing 747-8. Planning for such aircraft signals the airport’s expectation of future demand from larger jets.

Also in the works is a new perimeter fence to strengthen airfield security. “These developments are all intended to enhance operational resilience, increase passenger processing capacity, and support the long-term growth trajectory of CPT,” Dijoe said.

The airport recorded a record 11.1 million two-way passengers, domestic and international combined, in 2025.

Costs

The most expensive item on the renovation list, at R6.2 billion (US$374 million), is the new runway.

“ACSA has taken the strategic decision to construct a new runway rather than continue ongoing rehabilitation of the existing runway as it approaches the latter stages of its operational lifespan,” Dijoe said. “The current runway alignment limits the airport’s ability to expand terminal infrastructure eastwards.”

The new runway will be built largely on greenfield land east of the current alignment. It will be positioned about 210 m east of the existing runway and reoriented by approximately 11 degrees. The three new narrow-body Code C stands are also intended to support projected growth in domestic air travel.

Timing

All works will be carefully sequenced to minimize disruption to passengers and airline partners while ensuring operational continuity, the airport said.

The first construction tender is planned for issuance by June, with award anticipated by December, subject to procurement processes. Consultancy tenders for the domestic terminal additions have already been awarded, with the remaining consultant appointments expected to follow from June onward.

Subject to final regulatory approvals and procurement processes, construction of the Domestic Terminal expansion is currently anticipated to begin in April next year.