Acsa has confirmed that it is embarking on an ambitious series of infrastructure projects at its three primary hubs, with the aim of improving operational efficiency and the passenger experience over the next five years.
Critical infrastructure maintenance projects would be carried out at OR Tambo International (JNB), Cape Town International (CPT) and King Shaka International (DUR) Airports during the coming financial year, Acsa told Travel News.
In 2024, Acsa secured approval for R21,7 billion in earmarked capital expenditure over five years for airport infrastructure development. Of the total budget, Acsa said it planned to spend R1,7 billion in the 2027 financial year, representing 8% of the total capital expenditure programme. It has already spent R2,1 billion from 2024 to date.
Ofentse Dijoe, Acsa Group Spokesperson, said this should address challenges, such as fuel supply at JNB, capacity constraints at CPT and ageing infrastructure at DUR.
JNB fuel supply
JNB will see the installation of an additional 20-inch jet fuel feeder line and a multi-product pipeline with jet fuel receipt capabilities. This project is to address concerns following a spate of incidents over the past two years where JNB’s jet fuel supply was impacted by ageing infrastructure.
Other key projects include freight warehouse refurbishments, fire detection and suppression upgrades and escalator replacements.
CPT capacity to climb
Dijoe provided updates on CPT’s highly anticipated runway realignment, new domestic arrivals terminal and international terminal upgrades projects, that will see the airport’s facilities and capacity improved.
He explained that the domestic arrivals terminal’s design phase, which includes the installation of new Gates A13, A14 and A15, had been completed. The project will be contracted in February 2027 with construction set to commence in April 2027.
The international terminal upgrade project will be contracted in April 2027 and construction will commence in June 2027, and the construction of the realigned runway is estimated to start in the second half of the same year.
DUR prepares for renewal
“King Shaka International Airport is entering a focused phase of capital infrastructure investment, with several projects already in execution and additional priority works scheduled to commence in the coming months as part of the airport’s broader multi-year capital programme,” said Dijoe.
He explained that the key projects to support operational efficiency included:
- The extension of specific taxiways and the re-surfacing of others to enhance airside capacity and improve aircraft movement efficiency.
- The enhancement of airside battery-charging facilities to modernise ground support infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.
- The replacement of perimeter fences and gates to reinforce security infrastructure and ensure regulatory compliance.
- The airport will also reconfigure its multipurpose centre and refurbish its multi-storey office to support in-house operational and stakeholder needs.
Additionally, Acsa will carry out the following projects that focus on improving customer experience:
- The replacement and repair of trolleys to improve passenger convenience and service standards.
- The renovation of ablution facilities to enhance passenger comfort and maintain service quality.
- The refurbishment of the airport’s multi-storey parking lot.
“Collectively, these initiatives strengthen critical infrastructure, enhance safety and compliance, improve passenger facing facilities, and support long term growth,” said Dijoe.
Industry calls for consistency
Airlines and industry associations welcomed Acsa’s expanded infrastructure and maintenance programme, but caution that the that realisation of the full benefits of this maintenance programme will depend on consistent execution and sustained investment after years of under-maintenance, as reported by Travel News.
