Cape Town could soon have a second international airport, as the privately owned Cape Winelands Airport, once known as Fisantekraal Airfield, has unveiled an ambitious redevelopment plan worth between R8 billion and R10 billion, with the goal of becoming operational by 2028.
Picture: Cape Winelands Airport / Facebook via Cape (town) Etc
As highlighted in a recent report by BusinessTech, the project is being led by RSA.Aero and aims to position the facility as a gateway for tourism, logistics, and economic growth in the Western Cape.
From military base to economic engine
The airport’s roots stretch back to 1943, when it served as a base for the South African Air Force and housed Lockheed Ventura bombers during World War II. After decades of military use, the property became privately owned in 1993 and was acquired by its current operators in November 2020.
Today, it’s a 150-hectare site located northeast of Durbanville and is already popular for general aviation and flight training. But the long-term plan is much bigger.
The redevelopment will include:
- A 3 500 metre primary runway to accommodate larger aircraft.
- A new boutique terminal with modern check-in, baggage handling and security systems.
- Expanded cargo facilities with direct airside access.
- Additional hangars for general and business aviation.
- Upgraded fuelling stations, including provision for sustainable aviation fuels.
- Hotels, warehousing, logistics facilities and even a heliport.
At recent events such as the South African Tourism Investment Summit and Routes World 2025 in Hong Kong, airport representatives showcased their vision of turning Cape Winelands into a hub that integrates aviation, tourism, agri-business, training, and logistics.
In their words, the project represents ‘a gateway for economic transformation, including creating jobs, strengthening supply chains, and unlocking new visitor experiences in Cape Town.’
Mark Wilkinson, who is the Director of Cape Winelands Airport, told delegates at Africa’s Green Economy Summit that the project could be the most crucial infrastructure development in the Western Cape right now.
‘It is going to transform the economic landscape of Cape Town and the Western Cape,’ Wilkinson said, noting that the expansion could relieve congestion at Cape Town International while reducing carbon emissions.
‘It has some incredible features, and it addresses many capacity constraints and unlocks latent growth for the existing demand,’ he added.
The airport is currently raising capital through a mix of debt and equity, engaging with banks, infrastructure funds, private equity, and high-net-worth individuals.
Wilkinson explained that large-scale airport projects are highly capital-intensive, requiring extensive civil works, but said the team hopes to secure a positive outcome on its environmental impact assessment soon. If approved, construction could begin as early as next year.
Cape Winelands Airport is positioning itself to follow in the footsteps of privately developed airports like Lanseria in Gauteng and Kruger-Mpumalanga in Nelspruit. Both have become vital regional hubs, and the team believes a second international airport in Cape Town could bring healthy competition.
‘Having a second airport in Cape Town benefits everyone,’ Wilkinson said. ‘It will keep Cape Town International on its toes, and they’ll keep us on ours.’
Article shared by Cape Town ETC
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