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Construction of a R7bn expansion and refurbishment project at Cape Town International Airport is set to commence early next year, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has confirmed.
According to ACSA, the project is necessary to meet growing demand at the airport, which includes a new runway and international and domestic departure lounges. Earlier this year the airport reported a 9% increase, to 2,4 million passengers, in international arrivals.
ACSA added that the realigned 3,500 metre runway will allow larger aircraft to land at the airport.
That part of the project, due to cost R3.9 billion, also provides for the future expansion of the airport terminal towards the runway, to accommodate additional aircraft.
The highlight of the project will be a R688-million expansion of the domestic arrivals terminal. The baggage hall will be expanded significantly to accommodate additional baggage collection carousels, and the meet-and-greet area will be reconfigured.
With the growth the airport has seen, Acsa said, the international terminal will soon reach capacity, so a second terminal is to be constructed at a cost of R2.8 billion.
In addition to the airport expansion plans, Acsa and the City of Cape Town are also in talks to set up a park-and-ride service from Cape Town International Airport into the city centre.
The move is aimed at alleviating rush-hour traffic on the N2 highway, while at the same time getting more use out of the airport’s parkades.
International Airport’s general manager, Deon Cloete, during a briefing to the provincial legislature’s Standing Committee for Finance, Economic Opportunities and Tourism.
Cloete said while there are no timelines as yet, talks are at an advanced stage.”