Big upgrades coming to one of South Africa’s international airports
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) recently announced that the Terminal Capacity Optimisation project at Gqeberha’s (formerly Port Elizabeth) airport will begin on 26 June 2026.
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (CDSIA), previously known as Port Elizabeth International Airport, has only one primary commercial airport.
ACSA said that this initiative is the first of several upgrades planned for the airport over the next five years.
“ACSA is committed to minimising disruptions throughout the construction period, which is expected to wrap up by 16 November 2026,” said ACSA.
The company said that all stakeholders will receive regular updates regarding the project progress and any schedule adjustments or significant changes.
“CDSIA is a critical asset to regional economic activity in the province, supporting not only tourism growth and global connectivity but also strengthening trade flows.”
The group said that the international airport, which is located near Port of Gqeberha, is a progressive development node of the Coega Special Economic Zone.
“Building strong stakeholder relationships is a priority for CDSIA, because what impacts the city impacts our airport,” said ACSA.
Many of ACSA’s airports, including CDSIA, have not experienced significant infrastructure upgrades since the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The Terminal Capacity Optimisation Project is part of ACSA’s broader capital expansion program, which aims to revitalise facilities and ensure long-term operational efficiency across South Africa’s airport network.
A capacity analysis study conducted in 2024 found congestion during peak periods in key areas of the Terminal Building, highlighting the necessity for upgrades.
These areas include the departures concourse, security screening, and the departures lounge.
While a full Terminal Expansion Project is scheduled for 2030, ACSA said the Terminal Capacity Optimisation Project serves as a crucial interim solution.
The project aims to improve passenger flow and comfort by increasing check-in processing capacity, improving circulation between check-in and security, enhancing security processing, and expanding the departures lounge.
“Passengers will experience minimal disruption during the construction period. Our primary objective is the safe and seamless facilitation of all airport users,” said CDSIA Airport Manager Claudia Daniels.
“The airport team stands ready to meet the challenges ahead, poised to grow into the next decade and beyond,” said Daniels.
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport
Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport has earned the nickname “the ten-minute airport” due to its location, which is less than a ten-minute drive from most major areas in the city.
Established in 1929, the airport was reopened nine years later with a single runway, a hangar, and a concrete apron.
Construction on the terminal buildings, runways, and air traffic control tower began in 1950, and the airport officially opened in 1955.
In 1973, the apron was extended to accommodate larger aircraft, and a new departures terminal was completed in 1980.
Currently, the airport serves over 1.2 million passengers annually, with more than 60,000 scheduled flights and over 800 tons of cargo. The cargo includes flowers, frozen lobster, meat, ostrich skins, and mushrooms.
ACSA said that the increase in tourism in the region, coupled with preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, necessitated several improvements, including a terminal expansion capable of handling up to two million passengers each year.
This facility has a central retail area and an international arrivals and departures terminal, as well as “upgraded” amenities for domestic travellers.
Photos of the planned upgrades at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport
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