Travellers passing through Cape Town International Airport can expect major changes soon, after a multibillion-rand upgrade plan was cleared for take-off, a development city officials say could reshape regional travel, tourism, and trade for years to come.
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The project, valued at R21,7bn and led by Airports Company South Africa, is scheduled to begin in March with construction on the domestic arrivals terminal, marking the first phase of a long-anticipated infrastructure overhaul, as highlighted by NovaNews.
Plans outlined for the airport include a new runway, enlarged domestic and international terminals, and modernised security systems.
The scale of the upgrade reflects rising demand; more than 10 million travellers moved through the airport in 2024, alongside a 56% surge in cargo volumes.
Mayoral committee member for economic growth James Vos welcomed the announcement, calling it a milestone years in the making.
‘I warmly welcome ACSA’s announcement of these upgrades,’ Vos said. ‘This has been a project close to my heart for years.’
‘As part of our push to land more flights and open new international routes, we’ve been advocating tirelessly for expanded capacity, and now, after all our efforts, Cape Town is hosting 228 international flights every week and connected to 31 destinations worldwide. It’s proof that our strategies, from tourism campaigns to city-to-city agreements, are working.’
Tourism analysts from Wesgro estimate that international arrivals through the airport injected R24,3bn into the Western Cape economy in 2022, sustaining more than 10 000 jobs.
Officials say each additional route has ripple effects across hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.
Vos emphasised the broader impact: ‘Every flight that lands here translates into opportunities for our city, from hotels and restaurants to transport and retail. Aviation is truly an economic engine for Cape Town.’
Recent route growth signals confidence from global carriers, as KLM has already boosted flight frequencies, while other international airlines are reportedly evaluating new services to Cape Town.
Local officials attribute that momentum partly to the city’s Air Access initiative, which focuses on attracting airlines and strengthening route networks.
Vos indicated he will monitor the rollout closely to ensure timelines are met and disruptions are minimised.
‘Beyond just expanding the airport, this is about securing Cape Town’s place on the global stage,’ he said.
‘I will be closely following ACSA’s project timeline and delivery plan to make sure these upgrades are executed efficiently and on schedule. This is a win not just for travellers, but for every Capetonian who benefits from a thriving economy.’
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