New R7-billion international airport coming to Cape Town
The airport aims to become a driving force for regional economic development.
In 2024, Cape Town International Airport was named the second-best airport in the world!
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South African airports have consistently been rated highly, and now there's another one hoping to join the mix.
According to BusinessTech, the Cape Winelands Airport was established in 1943 and served as an operational base for the South African Air Force.
It had four runways and was even home to Lockheed Ventura bombers during World War 2.
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Previously known as the Fisantekraal Airfield, it has been privately owned since 1993 and is a 150-hectare site located 13 km northeast of Durbanville.
Current owners and operators RSA.Aero have announced big plans for the old airport.
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The Cape Winelands Airport are looking to expand and connect the Cape Winelands with the world.
It serves as a general aviation facility and is a popular choice for flight training in the Cape Town vicinity.
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Now, plans are underway to expand and create an international commercial airport with a R7-billion redevelopment plan.
The expansion will include increasing and realigning the primary runway to 3,500m, as well as a new boutique terminal building featuring state-of-the-art processing facilities.
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Another key part of the development is the cargo facility that will be built with ease of access to the airside, ensuring streamlined operations.
Other key infrastructure plans:
- New hangarage - to serve general aviation, business aviation and airline sectors.
- Fueling facilities upgrade - Aviation fuel storage, comprising JetA1 and Avgas, will be included, with special spatial allocation for sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs).
- Hotel accommodation for passengers and flight students
- Heliport
- Warehousing and logistics facilities
Positioned at the intersection of tourism, agri-business, aviation training, logistics and more, Cape Winelands Airport is designed to be far more than an aviation hub. It represents a gateway for economic transformation, including creating jobs, strengthening supply chains, and unlocking new visitor experiences in Cape Town. By aligning infrastructure development with national tourism ambitions, Cape Winelands Airport is contributing to the creation of an investment-ready environment.
Mark Wilkinson, Director of the Cape Winelands Airport, says that the second Cape Town airport will help ease congestion and reduce carbon emissions.
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Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the airport operational by 2028.
Wilkinson said they are raising between R8-billion and R10-billion for this project, which will be split between debt and equity.
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They are still awaiting the results of the environmental impact assessment: "The airport recently lodged its Notice of intent to submit an application for Environmental Authorisation, marking a crucial step forward in the realisation of its vision."
Here's a look at what to expect:
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