Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has put in place a roughly R20-billion project pipeline for the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA), running up to the end of 2031.

ACSA spokesperson Ofentse Dijoe says a key focus of the capital expenditure rollout is the Midfield Cargo Complex and its associated infrastructure.

ORTIA currently operates at about 75% of its design capacity, which underscores the importance of proactive infrastructure investment to support future passenger and cargo growth, he notes.

The new cargo precinct will introduce new cargo terminals, warehousing and logistics facilities, and should significantly enhance the airport’s cargo-handling capacity as a key logistics hub in Africa.

Capacity is currently limited by the size of the existing cargo facilities at ORTIA’s western precinct.

The new cargo facilities are to be developed at the northern end, between the airport’s existing parallel runways.

In support of this development, a series of integrated infrastructure projects will be rolled out, including airside link roads, access road upgrades, and utility and systems integration, explains Dijoe.

“These projects are designed to ensure operational efficiency, scalability and long-term resilience.”

The Midfield Cargo Complex has an indicative total investment value of roughly R5.7-billion (excluding VAT), based on current estimates.

This includes about R1.45-billion for aeronautical infrastructure, and R4.27- billion for non-aeronautical infrastructure, including the cargo terminals and landside facilities.

The final cost allocations are subject to detailed design, approval and procurement processes, says Dijoe.

He adds that the Midfield Cargo Complex project is currently progressing through the planning, regulatory and design refinement stages.

Implementation is expected to start from around the middle of next year, subject to final regulatory approvals.

The construction phase is estimated at roughly 53 months. The broader programme, including supporting infrastructure, will be implemented in phases through to 2032.

Other major projects at ORTIA include the rollout of a fuel trigeneration plant, the revamp of Tank Farm 2 to improve jet fuel supply, the construction of new remote apron stands for aircraft, especially large aircraft, such as the Airbus A380-800, and the refurbishment of Terminal A, for international passengers.

A fuel trigeneration plant uses a single fuel source for the supply of electricity, cooling and heating requirements.

This project comes as the cost of Eskom electricity has drastically escalated in recent years, accounting for a significant portion of ACSA’s yearly operating costs.

Dijoe says ORTIA is currently experiencing “a period of robust and sustained recovery” after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Based on the latest data, total passenger volumes have reached 99.44% of pre- pandemic levels, with our regional sector already exceeding 2019/20 benchmarks by 2.21%.

“These volumes confirm that ORTIA is operating at nearly its highest historical capacity.

“This data validates the strategic necessity of ACSA’s ongoing capital infrastructure projects, ensuring the airport remains equipped for future scalability, world-class service delivery and a sustained economic contribution.”

“To build on this momentum, we are executing a proactive growth strategy focused on route sustainability and global connectivity,” notes Dijoe.

The planned capital infrastructure projects at ORTIA are specifically designed to remove capacity bottlenecks, he adds.

“By enhancing airside and landside efficiencies, we create a more seamless operational environment that supports the expansion of our airline partners.

“Our strategy is centred on sustainable, long-term connectivity. By investing in the surrounding precinct and infrastructure, we are ensuring that ORTIA remains the premier gateway for the African continent, capable of supporting the next generation of aviation growth.”

Dijoe says ACSA is also in continuous engagement with existing and prospective global airline partners to identify and fill gaps in its network connectivity, specifically targeting high-demand unserved and underserved markets.

Private Aviation Hub at King Shaka
Numerous infrastructure projects are set to kick off at ACSA’s King Shaka International Airport (KSIA), in Durban, including the upgrade of existing facilities and infrastructure, as well as the development of new airport assets, such as a fixed-base operations (FBO) facility and a fuel gas trigeneration plant. The terminal will also be expanded.

KSIA benefits from its location within a high-growth development node alongside Dube TradePort, a designated Special Economic Zone in South Africa, says Dijoe.

The overall project pipeline for KSIA amounts to an estimated R6-billion, subject to planning finalisation.

KSIA terminal expansion is set to kick off in the 2030 financial year, with completion scheduled for the 2034 financial year.

Work on the fuel trigeneration plant will start in the 2028 financial year, with completion planned for the 2032 financial year.

Work on the FBO facility is scheduled to start in the 2028 financial year, with work to wrap up at the end of ACSA’s 2031 financial year.

The FBO facility will allow ACSA to better support dedicated private business aviation.

The Dube TradePort Corporation (DTPC) has confirmed that it is establishing an Airside Zone north of Dube TradeZone 1.

The proposed airside zone will accommodate a range of aviation-related infrastructure, including aircraft hangars, office space and aircraft maintenance facilities.

This will create an integrated airside operations environment designed to support private and commercial aviation activities.

Several private aircraft owners and operators have already expressed interest in establishing a presence at the precinct.

By providing reliable handling services, hangarage and technical support locally, the development will enhance KwaZulu- Natal’s attractiveness as a base for aircraft operations, says the DTPC.

Other capital expenditure projects at KSIA include the construction of an R11-million multipurpose centre for the airport community to utilise for events, workshops, meetings and staff sessions when bigger venues are required.

Work on this project is set to wrap up in November.

A new R9-million canine housing facility is set for completion in February next year, with the R34-million construction of new prayer facilities and staff restrooms to be completed in April next year.

A R21-million project to build dedicated tarred roads for emergency vehicles to ensure speedier arrivals at airside emergencies will wrap up at the end of the year.

George Airport Almost at Capacity
The George Airport in the Western Cape is receiving a R3.6-billion boost up to the end of the 2031 financial year.

ACSA is advancing a significant expansion of the George Airport terminal, says Dijoe.

“The R974-million project represents the most substantial upgrade to the Garden Route’s primary air gateway in over a decade.”

The expansion is driven by sustained demand. George Airport processed 824 342 passengers in 2024, with the facility nearing its current terminal capacity of one-million passengers a year.

Traffic forecasts confirm that the terminal will reach saturation point by next year.

The expansion will double terminal capacity to two-million passengers a year, providing essential headroom for the next decade of growth, says Dijoe.

The upgrade will include an expanded drop-off area with additional bays; the widening of the landside concourse; and the expansion of the check-in hall to accommodate 18 conventional check-in counters alongside eight self-service kiosks.

The security screening area will also be reconfigured and expanded.

Additional screening lanes, automated tray return systems and enhanced queuing layouts should reduce wait times.

Beyond security, the departure holding lounge will be significantly enlarged with additional seating, improved amenities, and expanded retail, food and beverage offerings.

The project will also include construction of a new viewing deck on the first floor, as well as two new commercial lounges.

Arriving passengers will see the expansion of the baggage reclaim hall from two to three baggage carousels.

The reconfiguring of the arrival concourse will roll out improved room for meeters and greeters, additional retail opportunities, as well as upgraded ablution facilities.

The Smaller Airports
At Bram Fischer International Airport (BFIA) in Bloemfontein, ACSA estimates the current project spend up to the end of the 2031 financial year at R729-million.

Dijoe says the rehabilitation of Runway 02/20 and the associated taxiways at BFIA is regarded as a key infrastructure project aimed at maintaining the safety and operational integrity of the airfield.

A water line and service roads project will focus on enhancing the redundancy of the airport’s domestic and firefighting water supply, as well as maintaining critical airside service roads.

The project pipeline at the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (CDSIA), in Gqeberha, up to the end of the 2031 financial year is estimated at R3.7-billion, says Dijoe.

“The CDSIA terminal building was last renovated in 2009 in preparation for the FIFA World Cup.

“The current upgrade is going to increase the capacity of the terminal building to ensure that it is in line with future demand. This project is estimated to be delivered by February 2031.”

The expansion of the terminal building will include the reconfiguration of the check- in system, new baggage carousels, and the enhancement of the departure lounge, commercial areas and passenger amenities.

Runway and taxiway rehabilitation at the airport should be completed in September next year.

The work comprises the rehabilitation of the runway, taxiways and general aviation area.

The King Phalo Airport, in KuGompo City (East London), is receiving a capital boost of R1.3-billion up to the end of ACSA’s 2031 financial year.

Work on expanding the departure lounge, at R450-million, is due for completion in June 2029.

The focus is on providing sufficient departure terminal capacity across security facilities, airline lounges, at check-in, the departure concourse and boarding gates.

The upgrade will be complemented by new and upgraded passenger amenities that include charging points, baby-changing facilities, prayer rooms and a dedicated viewing deck, says Dijoe.

Passengers can also look forward to new and improved commercial facilities.