Airports in South Africa getting upgrades to make them cleaner, safer and more comfortable

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is undergoing a massive infrastructure maintenance and capital expansion programme across its airports.

ACSA is the owner of nine of South Africa’s largest airports, which include the OR Tambo, Cape Town and King Shaka International Airports.

The maintenance programme has prioritised high-impact infrastructure, such as sewerage systems, ablution facilities, and fire escapes.

There will also be enhanced safety and hygiene protocols in high-traffic and sensitive areas to improve security and user experience.

OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg is undergoing a massive refurbishment of ablution facilities, which includes male, female, baby-change and accessible amenities.

The project, which started in December 2024, should be completed by December 2025, and hopes to improve passenger comfort and hygiene standards.

ACSA Chief Executive Officer, Mpumi Mpofu, said the current projects are scheduled for completion between late 2025 and 2027.

She noted that ACSA invests in infrastructure supporting the aviation sector’s long-term growth and operational resilience.

“This programme is a strong signal of ACSA’s recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mpofu.

“It reflects our return to financial sustainability and our ability to reinvest in critical infrastructure that will serve the aviation industry and the broader economy for years to come.”

Big upgrades

On top of its maintenance activities, ACSA is also undertaking several infrastructure upgrades across key operational areas.

These are designed to modernise infrastructure, improve operational resilience and accommodate future growth. Highlights of this growth include:

• Jet Fuel Infrastructure at OR Tambo International Airport
  • The installation of a new 20-inch jet fuel feeder line and the implementation of Jet Fuel Redundancy Phase 1 will boost reliability and supply continuity.
  • The replacement of backup power generators at the airport is necessary to ensure uninterrupted critical operations.

• Passenger Loading Bridges (PLBs)
  • Refurbishment and replacement projects at multiple sites, including structural repairs and upgrades to control systems and canopy covers.
  • Key milestones are targeted for completion from November 2025 through 2026.

• Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)
  • A phased replacement of UPS units to improve energy resilience at critical touchpoints.
  • Completion is scheduled for 2026.

• People Movers
  • Ongoing replacement and refurbishment of escalators and lifts to address long-standing operational inefficiencies.
  • Several escalator installations have already been completed, and the overall programme will conclude in 2027.

• Instrument Landing and Weather Systems
  • Replacement of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and Automated Weather Observation Systems (AWOS).
  • Most milestones are due by the end of 2026.

• Terminal and Roofing Works
  • HVAC upgrades, terminal roof waterproofing, replacing sprinkler systems and airside enhancements.

• Fuel Systems and Fire Infrastructure
  • Refurbishment of fuel receipt meters, hydrants, and booster pumps is underway.

ACSA said it is working closely with government, airlines, and commercial stakeholders to ensure that infrastructure investments are delivered efficiently, with minimal disruption to airport users.

The company has been one of the bright sparks for state-owned companies, and recently declared a huge dividend.

In 2024, ACSA declared dividends of R816 million to its shareholders, up R768 million for preference shares and R48 million for ordinary shares.

Mpofu previously said that the dividends highlight the company’s robust financial health and strategic management.

Dividends are a significant source of fiscal revenue to investors, especially the government, which holds a roughly 75% stake in ACSA.

For context, last year, the late Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan revealed that the government spent R282.6 billion in ‘capital investments’, i.e bailouts, into state-owned companies from 2019 to 2024.

The majority of this was spent on Eskom, which received R234 billion. However, the government’s capital investment resulted in little return, with only R1 million in dividends from SAFCOL.