Cape Town International Airport upgrades to begin in 2026

Cape Town International Airport to begin three-year-long upgrade

Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) is set to begin its much-anticipated upgrade process in 2026

This is according to Travel News, who also reported that completion is set for 2029.

The upgrades are part of Airports Company South Africa’s (ACSA) massive R21.7 billion investment programme, which will refurbish a number of South African airports, including CTIA, OR Tambo in Johannesburg, Chief Dawid Stuurman in Gqeberha and King Phalo in East London.

What changes are on the cards?

According to ACSA Regional General Manager Mark Maclean, the Cape Town International Airport will require a large portion of the investment programme fund for the upgrades.

Some of these upgrades includes a new runway as well as an extension of the domestic terminal.

“We will be building a new realigned runway, which is a big project, revamping and extending the domestic terminal and creating additional international and domestic contact stands while expanding the international terminal footprint,” Maclean said, as per Travel News.

CTIA is also rebooting its security and self-service facilities.

“We are placing full-body scanners at security points, expanding our self-service boarding and immigration facilities and plan to introduce other technological improvements,” Maclean added.

Lanseria to also see billion rand upgrade

In other airport renovation news and in an effort to be a more accessible and attractive destination for tourists and airlines, Lanseria International Airport in Johannesburg is also planning a number of upgrades in 2026.

These new developments will include the construction of new Fixed Base Operator (FBO) facilities, new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities as well as a fuel farm/depot.

There will also be an upgrade of the Taxiway Alpha, which will be changed from a Code C to a Code E-type, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft like Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s.

More traffic and more routes

Lanseria International Airport CEO, Rampa Rammopo revealed to Travel News that the new developments and improvements would address many of the current limitations which have been deterring some airlines from operating at the airport.

“The comprehensive development projects are set to substantially increase the airport’s capacity to handle additional volumes of traffic by attracting more airlines and expanding the number of routes offered, particularly into other parts of Africa.” Rammopo said.

“As more routes are established, Lanseria International Airport will play a pivotal role in making Southern Africa and Africa as a whole more accessible. This enhanced connectivity is expected to attract a higher volume of international visitors, boosting the tourism sector in South Africa.” he added.