Major upgrades planned for SA’s three main airports

The Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has confirmed an ambitious infrastructure drive at South Africa’s three primary airport hubs, aimed at improving operational efficiency and passenger experience over the next five years.

Critical maintenance and expansion projects are planned for O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in the coming financial year.

In 2024, Acsa secured approval for R21.7 billion in capital expenditure over five years. Of this, R1.7 billion is earmarked for the 2027 financial year, while R2.1 billion has already been spent since 2024.

A five-year infrastructure push at SA airports

As reported by Travel News, the investment programme is designed to address long-standing maintenance backlogs, improve operational resilience and prepare the airports for future passenger growth.

According to Acsa, the focus will be on strengthening critical systems such as fuel supply and airside infrastructure, expanding terminal capacity where needed, and upgrading passenger-facing facilities to improve overall service standards.

Here is how the upgrades will unfold at each of the three major hubs:

OR Tambo: Fuel supply and refurbishments

At OR Tambo, a major priority is strengthening jet fuel supply infrastructure following several disruptions over the past two years linked to ageing systems.

Planned projects include:

• Installation of an additional 20-inch jet fuel feeder line
• A new multi-product pipeline with jet fuel receipt capabilities
• Freight warehouse refurbishments
• Fire detection and suppression upgrades
• Escalator replacements

These upgrades are aimed at improving reliability and safety at Africa’s busiest airport.

Cape Town: Capacity expansion

Cape Town International is set for significant expansion to ease capacity constraints.

The design phase for a new domestic arrivals terminal, including new Gates A13, A14 and A15, has been completed. The project is expected to be contracted in February 2027, with construction scheduled to begin in April 2027.

Upgrades to the international terminal are due to be contracted in April 2027, with construction starting in June 2027.

Construction of the long-anticipated runway realignment is expected to begin in the second half of 2027, aimed at improving aircraft movement and long-term capacity.

King Shaka: Renewal and passenger upgrades

King Shaka International Airport is entering a focused phase of infrastructure renewal.

Airside projects include:

• Taxiway extensions and resurfacing
• Expanded battery-charging facilities for ground support equipment
• Replacement of perimeter fencing and gates

Passenger-focused improvements will include:

• Replacement and repair of luggage trolleys
• Renovation of ablution facilities
• Refurbishment of the multi-storey parking facility
• Reconfiguration of the multipurpose centre and office space

Acsa says the combined projects are intended to strengthen safety, improve compliance and support long-term growth across South Africa’s aviation sector.