Big announcement about new R8 billion airport coming to South Africa

The Cape Winelands Airport is in its final environmental impact assessment round and is expected to be commissioned in early 2028—offering domestic and international flights.

The incoming airport was previously known as the Fisantekraal Airfield and belonged to the South African Air Force. However, it became privately owned in 1993.

In November 2020, private investors acquired the Cape Winelands Airport property. It is owned and operated by RSA.Aero.

However, big plans are afoot to transform the Cape Winelands Airport into a hub for air travel to Cape Town with a capital investment of R8 billion.

In an update provided to BusinessTech, The Cape Winelands Airport said it is in the fourth and final round of public participation in its environmental impact assessment, which began on Wednesday (19 March).

Additionally, the airport added that it hopes to commission the airport in early 2028—which will mark a significant milestone in the area’s development and accessibility.

Cape Winelands Airport, established in 1943, is an integral part of the Northern District of Durbanville. As one of the oldest airfields in the region, it has primarily served the General Aviation community.

The airport’s strategic location makes it a vital asset for the region, poised to contribute significantly to the local economy and the aviation industry.

The first step is to expand and realign the primary runway to 3,500m. The airport currently has four runways, two inactive and the others 700m and 900m long.

They also plan to build a passenger terminal that can accommodate 5.2 million annual passengers, with the core goal of establishing a cohesive link with Cape Town.

The development plans include vineyards as part of the landscaping aesthetics with open spaces that include a plaza, a hotel, a conference centre, and a wine-tasting experience.

Other amenities include an outdoor amphitheatre for events for up to 5,000 people and plenty of at-grade parking, all situated in a park-like environment.

Cape Winelands Airport said it aims to serve as a crucial gateway to the Cape Winelands region, offering a range of domestic and international flight options and opening up new routes.

“The airport will effectively process two million international tourists and three million domestic travellers per annum by 2050, taking the overall annual passenger traffic to the region from 10 million to 20 million passengers,” it said.

“Beyond job creation, the airport is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the regional economy. Increased tourism and business opportunities will contribute to the growth of local businesses and industries.”

The airport also explained that it will be self-sufficient and off the grid for water and electricity as far as possible.

“The airport will use renewable energy sources, such as solar and chicken manure biogas power, to power its facilities and operations,” it said.

“The aim is to reduce the carbon footprint and ensure a reliable and uninterrupted energy supply, even in adverse conditions.”

The airport will also implement state-of-the-art water recycling systems to conserve and purify water for various airport needs.

Additionally, its waste management practices will prioritise recycling and composting, reducing its environmental impact.

Addressing its plans for the actual airport, it highlighted that it will offer a range of contemporary amenities and services designed to enhance the travel experience.

“These include efficient check-in counters with advanced technology for swift processing and spacious and comfortable waiting lounges with ergonomic seating,” Cape Winelands Airport said.

“The space will also offer a diverse selection of high-quality dining establishments and boutique shopping outlets, ensuring that passengers have access to a wide array of food and retail options to suit their preferences and needs.”

“This facility represents a commitment to providing world-class transportation options, promoting tourism, and stimulating economic growth in our beautiful region,” said the MD of Cape Winelands Airport, Deon Cloete.

“Airports worldwide are known to have a positive impact on the socio-economic conditions of the regions which they serve. This airport will be no different.”

Construction on expanding the airport is expected to start this year, provided all of the approvals are in place. It is currently undergoing numerous legislative processes.

“If all our applications are approved, we will begin transforming the airport by realigning the runway, adding new airside infrastructure, and constructing a boutique terminal,” it said.