Cape Town International Airport Infrastructure Programme to Support Economic Growth and Capacity Expansion

Cape Town, South Africa – Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) confirms the highly anticipated phased infrastructure developments forming part of Airports Company South Africa's (ACSA) broader R21.7 billion infrastructure investment programme across its network of airports. These developments reinforce ACSA's long-term commitment to capacity expansion, operational excellence and sustainable economic growth, and represent one of the most strategic infrastructure investments in the airport's continued growth trajectory.

New Realigned Main Runway

The flagship component of the CTIA upgrade programme is a new, realigned main runway estimated at approximately R6.39 billion, with contractor appointment planned for December 2026. The new 3,500 m × 60 m runway will be realigned eastward by 11.5 degrees to improve air traffic efficiency while unlocking critical passenger terminal capacity development space within the airport precinct.

The project includes rapid exit taxiways and a partial parallel taxiway to reduce runway occupancy time and improve aircraft turnaround efficiency. These enhancements are expected to strengthen on-time performance during peak travel periods, while increasing scheduling flexibility and overall reliability. The runway will be fully Code F compliant, enabling the accommodation of next-generation aircraft and reinforcing Cape Town International Airport's position within the global aviation network.

Domestic Terminal Building Expansion

The expansion of the Domestic Terminal Building is anticipated to commence in April 2027, subject to final regulatory approvals and procurement processes. The Domestic Arrivals Terminal is currently estimated at R2.39 billion, while the Domestic Departures Extension is estimated at R500 million. The expansion will significantly enhance passenger processing capacity, improve circulation, and modernise the overall terminal environment in line with projected demand growth. The programme also provides for additional domestic contact gates and airbridges, as well as expanded apron capacity to support increased aircraft parking and improved aircraft movement flow.

International Terminal Building

Cape Town International Airport will also embark on phased developments within the International Terminal Building, currently estimated at R863 million. These enhancements include additional apron stands, expanded commercial and lounge offerings, and improvements to immigration processing and bussing gates.

Economic Impact

These coordinated developments are expected to support regional economic growth through improved connectivity, enhanced tourism access and strengthened trade facilitation. Infrastructure investment of this scale contributes to broader economic activity through construction activity, supply chain participation and long-term aviation sector growth in the Western Cape.

Future Passenger Experience

The conceptual images released unveil a reimagined passenger experience — one defined by comfort, accessibility, and operational efficiency. Planned enhancements include expanded terminal circulation areas, additional security screening capacity, improved baggage reclaim facilities, prayer and family spaces, upgraded bathroom amenities, increased aircraft contact gates to reduce bussing, and modernised retail and food environments. The design approach prioritises natural light, intuitive wayfinding and improved passenger flow, creating a more seamless and passenger-focused journey across both domestic and international spaces.

All projects will be carefully phased to ensure continued operational performance and to minimise disruption to passengers and airline partners. Detailed mitigation planning will be undertaken in close coordination with airlines, commercial partners and regulatory authorities to ensure operational continuity throughout the construction phases.

About Airports Company South Africa

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is a state-owned company mandated to own, manage, operate and develop South Africa's principal airports. Established in 1993, we operate nine airports, including major international gateways such as OR Tambo, Cape Town, and King Shaka International. The organisation plays a strategic role in enabling trade, tourism, and regional economic transformation. The company is majority-owned by the South African Government, with minority shareholding from the Public Investment Corporation, employee trusts, and empowerment investors.