Cape Town International Airport launches R21.7 billion upgrade for a new runway.

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is growing fast. The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) announced a major plan. This plan costs R21.7 billion. It covers many airports in the country. Cape Town will see the most work. The project will take five years. It starts in March 2026.

A New Runway Design

The biggest change is the runway. Workers will build a new one. They will also realign the path. This helps the airport handle more flights. It allows larger planes to land. This includes the Airbus A380 model. The new design improves safety too. It makes flight paths more efficient.

Expanding the Terminals

Passenger numbers are hitting new records. Over 11 million people visited in 2025. This is the highest number ever. The airport needs more space now. The domestic terminal will get bigger. It will have more boarding gates. The arrivals area will also grow. This helps travelers move through faster.

Modern Technology and Security

New technology is part of the plan. The airport will add full-body scanners. These scanners make security checks quicker. Self-service boarding gates are also coming. This reduces wait times for passengers. The IATA says modern airports need tech. It helps manage large crowds easily.

Economic Impact and Jobs

This project helps the local economy. It creates many new construction jobs. More flights mean more tourism money. Tourism supports thousands of local workers. Cape Town is a top destination. The airport must be ready for it. Aviation is a key economic engine.

Future Outlook

Work will finish around 2029. Passengers might see some small delays. ACSA will work in different phases. This keeps the airport running smoothly. The goal is a world-class facility. Cape Town will stay a global hub.

• Total Investment: R21.7 billion over five years.
• Key Project: A new realigned runway.
• Terminal Work: Expanded domestic and international zones.
• Technology: New scanners and self-service kiosks.

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