Dhaka: South Africa is moving ahead with plans to build a new €410 million international airport near Cape Town, aimed at easing pressure on the region’s main aviation hub and supporting long-term tourism and economic growth.

The project, known as Cape Winelands Airport, will be developed at the former Fisantekraal airfield northeast of Durbanville and is expected to open to domestic and international flights by 2028.

Once completed, it will complement Cape Town International Airport, which has seen sustained passenger growth in recent years, particularly from European long-haul markets.

The R8 billion investment will include a modern passenger terminal, cargo facilities, fuelling infrastructure, hotel accommodation and a heliport, with the airport positioned as a secondary international gateway and logistics hub linked to road, rail and maritime corridors. By 2050, it is expected to handle more than five million passengers a year.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Environmental authorisation has been granted, though six appeals have been lodged by neighbouring stakeholders. Developers say the issues are being addressed through the statutory process, due to conclude by March 2026.

Cape Winelands Airport has appointed Wilson Bayly Holmes Ovcon as its construction partner and says the project could create about 35,000 jobs initially and support around 100,000 jobs over its first 20 years.

The airport will feature smart technologies and green design principles, according to its developers.

-B