Cape Town International Airport (CPT) has confirmed details of upgrade plans for its runway and terminals. The project is part of Airports Company South Africa’s broader R21.7 billion (US$1.3 billion) infrastructure programme designed to expand capacity and operations for key airports in the country. The CPT upgrades are projected to cost R10.1 billion (US$630 million).
A new realigned runway will increase capacity and optimise aircraft movement patterns. Additional runway upgrades include rapid exit taxiways and partial parallel taxiways aimed at reducing runway occupancy time and improving aircraft turnaround time to ensure on-time performance during peak travel periods. Runway upgrades are projected to cost R6.39 billion (US$398 million).
The domestic terminal building will expand its passenger processing capacity with more domestic contact gates and air bridges as well as enhancements to the terminal environment. Expanded apron capacity will also support increased aircraft parking and improved aircraft movement flow. These upgrades are expected to start in April 2027 and will cost R2.39 billion (US$149 million) for the arrivals terminal and R500 million (US$31.2 million) for the departures extension.
Upgrades of the international terminal building include additional apron stands, expanded commercial areas and lounge offerings as well as improvements to immigration processing and bus gates. The current cost is estimated at R863 million (US$54 million).
Developments will phased with the airport working closely with airline and commercial partners as well as regulatory authorities to ensure minimal disruption.
