South Africa Plans Airport Refurbishments
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The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has earmarked Rand 21.7 billion (US$1.2 billion) for infrastructure development over the next five years, according to a transcript of a press briefing given by Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga on 5 March.
The investment primarily targets refurbishments, efficiency improvements and statutory compliance measures at various airports across the country, with the aim of enhancing asset availability, airport safety and passenger experience.
Specifically, ACSA plans to expand terminal facilities at Chief Dawid Stuurman International airport in the Eastern Cape province and George Airport in the Western Cape over the next two years, according to Chikunga.
The terminal expansion at George Airport is set to commence at the earliest opportunity due to passenger throughput having passed the facility’s design capacity before the Covid-19 pandemic. The upgrade of Chief Dawid Stuurman airport will follow within the next year or two.
ACSA will also embark on the development of the midfield cargo terminal at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International airport on a prioritised basis to cater to demand, followed by a midfield passenger terminal.
Other investments at OR Tambo airport include the extension of the bussing gates, which entails adding six gates to the existing Terminal A, along with augmenting the seating and holding lounges and the retail area. As part of phase 2 of this project, a mezzanine level will be constructed to enhance circulation and optimise seating and holding space.
At Cape Town International airport, priority will be given to the reconfiguration of the domestic arrivals terminal to meet growing capacity needs. This encompasses enlarging the meet-and-greet and baggage claim areas, domestic departures lounge, retail spaces and ablution facilities, as well as adding three contact gates and fixed boarding bridges.
In addition, the realigned runway development project is expected to be completed within the five-year period.
Meanwhile, King Shaka International airport in the KwaZulu-Natal province will see the construction of a hotel and the expansion of the terminal.
At King Phalo airport in the Eastern Cape province, the focus will be on expanding the departure lounge, relocating the security checkpoint, upgrading ablution facilities, improving retail options in the departure lounge, and adding office and lounge areas on the first floor.
ACSA owns and operates South Africa’s nine principal airports, including three international gateways – OR Tambo, Cape Town and King Shaka International airports.
Photo: South Africa airport (Source: Facebook @ ACSA)
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