Cape Town – Cape Town International Airport has confirmed 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.
On Friday, 20 February 2026, ACSA said these developments reinforce its 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.
ACSA said a flagship component of the Cape Town International Airport upgrade programme is the new, realigned main runway, currently estimated at approximately R6.39 billion, with contractor appointment planned for December 2026.
This major infrastructure project is designed to increase runway capacity, optimise aircraft movement patterns, and strengthen operational resilience.
“The new 3 500-metre by 60-metre 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,” ACSA said.
“The project includes rapid exit taxiways and a partial parallel taxiway, which will 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.”
ACSA said 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.
Cape Town International Airport Acting Regional General Manager, Thabo Phateng, emphasised the strategic importance of sustained infrastructure investment.
“These planned developments represent a significant step in strengthening Cape Town International Airport’s role as a critical economic gateway for the Western Cape and South Africa,” said Phateng.
“By expanding capacity and enhancing operational resilience, we are positioning the airport to support sustained passenger growth, tourism expansion, trade facilitation, and long-term regional economic development.”
Complementing the runway project is the expansion of the Domestic Terminal Building, which 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.
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.
Collectively, the identified capacity development projects at Cape Town International Airport are currently estimated at approximately R10.143 billion.
Together, 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.
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.
Cape Town International Airport – Future Passenger Experience
The conceptual images released on Friday, 20 February 226, 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.
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