Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) plans to invest about 11.3 billion rand ($695.4 million) to expand and modernize Cape Town International Airport (CTIA), local media reported in late February, citing company spokesperson Ofentse Dijoe.
The project aims to increase airport capacity and update aging facilities as air traffic and tourist arrivals continue to rise. Planned upgrades cover both passenger and airside infrastructure, including:
Expansion of the car rental area and increased parking capacity
Construction of a new domestic arrivals terminal
Extension of the domestic departures terminal with three additional boarding bridges and larger lounges
Upgrades to the international terminal to improve passenger flow and reduce congestion
ACSA also intends to build a new runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, such as the Airbus A380-800 and Boeing 747-8. Security improvements will include a new perimeter fence. The first construction tender is scheduled for June, with contract awards expected in December, pending procurement procedures.
CTIA handled an estimated 11.1 million passengers in 2025, and the expansion aligns with the government’s goal of attracting 21 million tourist arrivals annually.
The project also reflects South Africa’s ambition to reinforce its position as a leading aviation hub in Africa and a gateway to the continent. However, competing airports in Addis Ababa, Casablanca, Nairobi, Kigali, and Luanda are also expanding, intensifying the race for Africa’s growing air travel market.
