CAPE TOWN – James Vos, Mayco Member for Economic Growth, is celebrating what he calls a long-awaited victory for the city’s connectivity and economy as Airports Company South Africa announced Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) is about to get a major facelift, to the value of R21,7 billion.
Renovations and upgrades at CTIA will begin in March, when the airport will start work on upgrading the domestic arrivals terminal. Some of the other renovations that are expected over the coming years include a new runway, expanded domestic and international terminals, and an upgraded security system.
Welcome anouncement
Vos welcomed the announcement. “I warmly welcome ACSA’s announcement of these upgrades,” Vos said. “This has been a project close to my heart for years. As part of our push to land more flights and open new international routes, we’ve been advocating tirelessly for expanded capacity, and now, after all our efforts, Cape Town is hosting 228 international flights every week and connected to 31 destinations worldwide. It’s proof that our strategies, from tourism campaigns to city-to-city agreements, are working.”
According to Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the ambitious R21.7 billion upgrade plan will include a new runway, expanded domestic and international terminals, and upgraded security systems. “With over 10 million travellers processed in 2024 and cargo volumes up 56%, the upgrades couldn’t come at a more critical time,” says Vos.
Western Cape economy
According to Wesgro, the province’s tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency, international arrivals at CTIA contributed R24.3 billion to the Western Cape economy in 2022, supporting more than 10 000 jobs. “Every flight that lands here translates into opportunities for our city, from hotels and restaurants to transport and retail. Aviation is truly an economic engine for Cape Town,” Vos explained.
The airport’s recent growth reflects years of strategic planning. Airlines like KLM have increased their frequencies, while new carriers are eyeing routes into the Mother City. Vos notes that this progress highlights the effectiveness of Cape Town’s Air Access initiative, and he said he has enjoyed working closely with the team to help bring these new routes and connections to the city.
“Beyond just expanding the airport, this is about securing Cape Town’s place on the global stage,” Vos said. “I will be closely following ACSA’s project timeline and delivery plan to make sure these upgrades are executed efficiently and on schedule. This is a win not just for travellers, but for every Capetonian who benefits from a thriving economy.”
