The South African Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, announced during a media briefing on the state of the aviation sector in South Africa that the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) is planning to upgrade the country's main airports. The majority state-owned airport management company, which operates nine of South Africa's airports, has earmarked ZAR 21.7 billion for an airport infrastructure development programme (as per the 5-year permission recently granted by the Regulating Committee). This investment primarily targets refurbishments, efficiency improvements, and statutory compliance measures, with the aim to enhance asset availability, airport safety, and passenger experiences across South Africa's airports. This is the largest capital investment programme by ACSA since preparing for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which took place in South Africa.
- Over the next two years, ACSA plans to embark on crucial capacity expansion projects at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) and George Airport (GRJ) in George, focusing on expansion of their terminal facilities. The terminal expansion project at George Airport (GRJ) is set to commence at the earliest opportunity due to the airport passenger throughout having passed its design capacity pre Covid-19. This will be followed by Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) within the next year or two.
- ACSA is set to embark on the development of a new cargo terminal, known as Mid-field Cargo, at O.R Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg on a prioritised basis given the demand and later the development of a Mid-field Passenger Terminal. Other significant projects at the airport will include extension of the bussing gates, which will entail adding six new bussing gates to the existing Terminal, a bussing terminal, along with augmenting retail, seating, and holding lounge areas. Additionally, as part of phase 2 of this project, a new mezzanine level will be constructed to enhance circulation and optimize seating and holding space.
- At Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, priority will be the domestic arrivals terminal reconfiguration to meet growing capacity needs. This encompasses enlarging the meet and greet area, expansion of the baggage claim area, an additional baggage carousel, expansion of the domestic departures lounge, retail spaces, and ablution facilities, as well as the addition of three new contact gates and fixed boarding bridges. Secondly, the initiation and development of the realigned runway development project is anticipated within permission period.
- King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban will see the development of a hotel, given that is a relatively new airport, with terminal expansion during the final year of the permission period.
- At King Phalo Airport (ELS) in East London, the focus during the permission period will be on expansion of the departure lounge, relocation of the security check point, upgrading of ablution facilities, improving retail options in the departure lounge, and adding offices and lounge space on the first floor.
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