South Africa’s busiest airports are set to get multi-billion-rand facelifts in the next few years, according to state-owned Airports Company South Africa (Acsa).
In Cape Town, a R7-billion investment will replace the current domestic and international departure lounges, and realign the runway to allow for larger aircrafts (such as the world’s largest passenger plane, the Airbus A380) by 2023.
The domestic terminal, in particular, will see a
complete reconfiguration in its meet-and-greet area, and a larger space for luggage claim carousels.
International arrivals to Cape Town increased by 9% in recent years (to 2.4 million passengers), despite lower numbers than usual due to a devastating drought, which heavily affected the local tourism industry.
Airline expansions are anticipated to add R620 million worth of spend to the provincial tourism industry (which already sustains 300,000 jobs), according to Western Cape Economic MEC Beverley Schafer.
Acsa promises minimal passenger disruption during construction but asks for patience with any growing pains:
“While we will do our best to limit the disruption and impact on passengers we ask in advance that airport users please bear with us – any discomfort experienced will be well worth,” Acsa spokesperson Deidre Davids told Business Insider South Africa.
At O.R. Tambo, R4.5 billion will cover new cargo
facilities, offices and rejuvenation of the Johannesburg airport’s façade. Construction
is anticipated to be complete by the end of next year.
Construction began in February 2019, with expected completion by the end of 2020. The buildings will also include a fitness centre, canteen and creche.
The long-term plan, according to travel
publication eTNW, involves construction of a mixed-use development
including retail stores, restaurants, cafés and bars.
Pedestrian-friendly connections to the international terminal building are planned to improve connectivity from the Gautrain station to existing hotels and facilities.