Name of the Project
ACSA infrastructure investment plan.

Location
South Africa.

Project Owner/s
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).

Project Description
In accordance with the five-year permission recently granted by the Regulating Committee, ACSA has allocated R21.7-billion towards airport infrastructure developments focused on refurbishments, improvements and statutory compliance over the next five years.

The State-owned enterprise plans to embark on crucial capacity expansion projects at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, in the Eastern Cape, and George Airport, in the Western Cape, focusing on the expansion of their terminal facilities. 

ACSA also plans to build a new cargo terminal, known as Mid-field Cargo, and at a later date, the Mid-field Passenger Terminal, at the OR Tambo Internal Airport, in Gauteng. 

Other significant projects at OR Tambo will include the extension of the bussing gates, which will entail adding six new bussing gates to Terminal A and expanding the retail, seating and holding lounge areas. Additionally, as part of Phase 2 of this project, a new mezzanine level will be built to enhance circulation and optimise seating and holding space.

At Cape Town International Airport (CTIA), in the Western Cape, the programme will include developments across landside facilities, terminal infrastructure and airfield operations.

The landside infrastructure programme will result in the expansion of the car rental precinct at R205-million to accommodate additional operators and increased vehicle capacity. The project will take 30 months to complete once the contractors have been appointed.

The terminal infrastructure programme will include the construction of a new domestic arrivals terminal; the extension of the existing domestic departures terminal, including three additional passenger loading bridges with contact stands and expanded lounge facilities; and upgrades within the international terminal aimed at improving the passenger experience, particularly capacity pressure points.

The airfield infrastructure roll-out will result in the construction of a new Code F compliant runway with associated airfield services, two new Code F aircraft contact stands, the reconfiguration of an existing Code E aircraft stand to accommodate Code F aircraft and three new narrow-body Code C aircraft stands.

Code F refers to aircraft with a wingspan of between 69 m and 79 m such as the Airbus A-380-800 or Boeing 747-8.

The ACSA capital expenditure (capex) programme will also result in the construction of a new perimeter fence to strengthen airfield security.

At King Shaka International Airport, in KwaZulu-Natal, a hotel will be developed, with terminal expansion during the final year of the five-year permission period.

At King Phalo Airport, in the Eastern Cape, the focus will be on expanding the departure lounge, relocating the security check point, upgrading the ablution facilities, improving retail options in the departure lounge, and adding offices and lounge space on the first floor.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
R21.7-billion.

Planned Start/End Date
The projects will be undertaken over a five-year period.

Latest Developments
ACSA will spend an estimated R11.3-billion to upgrade and expand the CTIA.

Domestic terminal interventions are estimated to carry a R 2.7-billion price tag and take 85 months to complete once contractors have been appointed.

The CTIA international terminal capex is estimated at R853-million, and should take 60 months to complete once contractors have been appointed.

The construction of a new runway is expected to be the most costly item on ACSA’s agenda. The current runway alignment limits the airport’s ability to expand terminal infrastructure eastwards. The new planned runway will be positioned about 210 m east of the current alignment and reorientated by about 11º.

The new runway will be built largely on greenfield land, to the east of the current runway alignment.

A new perimeter will be established once the runway infrastructure has been completed and incorporated into the operational airfield.

The new realigned runway will cost about R6.2-billion and should take 24 months to complete once contractors have been appointed.

Construction of the new wide- and narrow-body aprons will cost about R850-million and take 19 months to complete.

The construction of a new perimeter fence forms part of the broader programme to strengthen airfield security, regulatory compliance and controlled access to operational areas.

The fence will be erected at a cost of about R513-million and take 24 months to complete once contractors have been appointed.

All works on the projects will be carefully sequenced to minimise disruption to passengers, airline partners and ensure operational continuity.

The first construction tender is planned to be issued by June, with award – subject to procurement processes – anticipated by December. 

Consultancy tenders for the domestic terminal additions have been awarded, with the remaining consultant appointments to follow from June onwards.

Subject to final regulatory approvals and procurement processes, construction of the domestic terminal expansion is expected to start in April 2027.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
ACSA, tel +27 11 723 1400 or email Mediadesk@airports.co.za