Cape Town International Airport is moving closer to a major infrastructure expansion as Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) advances plans to increase capacity, improve passenger experience, and strengthen operational efficiency.
The long-awaited programme has progressed from preliminary planning into implementation stages, with several projects now scheduled to begin between 2026 and 2027. The development forms part of ACSA’s broader R21.7 billion national airport investment programme and is expected to transform South Africa’s second-busiest airport over the coming decade.
Originally announced as a future expansion programme, the project has gained momentum following the release of detailed infrastructure plans and budget allocations. ACSA has confirmed that the airport upgrade will include a new realigned runway, terminal expansions, additional apron capacity, upgraded baggage facilities, enhanced security systems, and improvements to passenger circulation areas.
Cape Town International Airport Upgrade Enters Implementation Stage
The most significant component of the programme is the construction of a new realigned main runway. The runway is estimated to cost approximately R6.39 billion and will measure 3,500 metres long and 60 metres wide. The infrastructure will meet Code F standards, allowing the airport to accommodate larger aircraft while improving operational efficiency. Contractor appointment for the runway project is currently targeted for December 2026.
In addition, ACSA plans to expand domestic and international terminal facilities to address growing passenger demand. Domestic arrivals improvements are scheduled to commence during the current implementation cycle and continue through 2029. The expansion will increase processing capacity, improve passenger flow, and add new gates, air bridges, and apron facilities.
The international terminal will also undergo significant upgrades. Planned works include expanded commercial areas, additional lounge facilities, enhanced immigration processing areas, and improved passenger amenities. Airport officials believe these improvements will support long-term traffic growth while maintaining service standards.
Cape Town International Airport Upgrade: Current Status Update (2026)
As of 2026, ACSA has moved beyond conceptual planning and published detailed implementation schedules for several components of the programme. The airport expansion is now entering procurement and delivery stages, with terminal works expected to begin before major runway construction starts. Regulatory approvals and procurement activities remain underway for some project packages.
The airport continues to experience strong passenger growth, placing additional pressure on existing infrastructure. Airport management has acknowledged capacity constraints across terminal facilities and airside operations, reinforcing the need for the planned expansion programme. Nearly 11.7 million passengers passed through the airport during the recent peak travel period, highlighting increasing demand.
ACSA has also stated that construction activities will be phased carefully to minimise disruption to airport operations. Temporary facilities and operational management measures will support continuity while major works proceed.
The expansion comes as the Western Cape prepares for additional aviation growth. It also complements the proposed Cape Winelands Airport Project, a new R8 billion aviation development planned near Durbanville. Together, the two projects could significantly increase aviation capacity across the region while supporting tourism, trade, and logistics growth. Read more about the Cape Winelands Airport Project, which is targeting a 2028 first-phase opening and includes a 450-hectare mixed-use aviation precinct.
Also Read: Mace quantity surveyors appointed to transform South Africa’s airports
Cape Town International Airport Project timeline
Acsa is currently in consultation with the industry and regulating committee and will provide more detail on the project timelines. This is expected to be achieved in the next three months.
“Due to the confidentiality of this process, no further information may be provided at this stage,” acsa added.
Acsa reportedly confirmed that 3200 state-subsidized Breaking New Ground (BNG) units are planned for construction on Symphony Way Development Corridor.
Refurbishment plans were stalled due to reduction in air traffic movements and passenger volumes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with an expected recovery to pre-pandemic passenger volumes in 2026, Acsa has now reevaluated its capital investment programme. Additionally, acsa has recommenced some of the suspended expansion projects.
Importantly, Acsa assures that job creation will be a major focus during the airport’s refurbishment. Additionally, the company acknowledges its social responsibility in promoting skills development, socio-economic growth and job opportunities through infrastructure projects.
Project Fact Sheet
Project Name: Cape Town International Airport Upgrade Project
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Owner: Airports Company South Africa (ACSA)
Estimated Investment Value: Approximately R10.1 billion to R11.3 billion for Cape Town projects
Part of National Programme: R21.7 billion ACSA airport infrastructure programme
Current Status: Planning, procurement, and phased implementation
Main Runway Investment: Approximately R6.39 billion
Runway Measurements:
- Length: 3,500 metres
- Width: 60 metres
Runway Classification: ICAO Code F
Contractor Appointment for Runway: Targeted for December 2026
Domestic Arrivals Expansion: Scheduled through 2029
International Terminal Upgrades: Planned and phased implementation
Key Infrastructure Components:
- Realigned main runway
- Rapid exit taxiways
- Partial parallel taxiways
- Domestic terminal expansion
- International terminal expansion
- Additional apron stands
- Expanded baggage systems
- Enhanced security infrastructure
- Passenger circulation improvements
- Additional commercial and lounge facilities
Primary Objective:
- Increase passenger capacity
- Improve operational efficiency
- Support long-term traffic growth
Project Team
Project Owner: Airports Company South Africa
Airport Operator: Cape Town International Airport
Infrastructure Programme Lead: Airports Company South Africa Capital Projects Division
Strategic Government Partner: City of Cape Town
Regulatory Authorities:
- South African Civil Aviation Authority
- National environmental and planning authorities
Runway Development Package: Contractor to be appointed
Terminal Expansion Contractors: To be appointed
Engineering Consultants: To be announced
Aviation Systems Suppliers: To be appointed
Construction Timeline: Phased delivery between 2026 and 2029, with longer-term runway works extending beyond initial terminal upgrades.
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