Acsa has provided more details on the comprehensive infrastructure maintenance and capital expansion programme under way across all nine of its airports.
Speaking at a stakeholder meeting with airline representatives on Thursday, Acsa CEO, Mpumi Mpofu noted that many of the current projects were scheduled for completion between late-2025 and 2027.
“This programme is a strong signal of Acsa’s recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mpofu. “It reflects our return to financial sustainability and our ability to reinvest in critical infrastructure that will serve the aviation industry and the broader economy for years to come.”
Mpofu explained that, during the pandemic, many of Acsa’s facilities were decommissioned. However, upon recommissioning post-COVID, it became clear that much of its infrastructure fell short of requirements. For this reason, a team was developed to perform assessments, which led to a list of areas, facilities and equipment that required additional attention, refurbishment and enhancement.
Jet fuel infrastructure
Acsa is planning the installation of a new 20-inch (51cm) jet fuel feeder line and the implementation of Jet Fuel Redundancy Phase 1 that will boost reliability and supply continuity at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB). These projects are complemented by the replacement of back-up power generators at the airport to ensure uninterrupted critical operations.
Acsa is also implementing a phased replacement of uninterrupted power supply units to strengthen energy resilience at critical touchpoints. Completion is scheduled for 2026.
Mpofu said the problems with jet fuel supply in January had been exacerbated by Acsa’s infrastructure challenges. She said plans were in place to expand fuel storage capacity at the airport to allow for excess supply that would sustain the airport’s operations for up to 15 additional days, compared with the current 10-day contingency storage plan.
Additionally, Acsa is refurbishing fuel receipt meters, hydrants, and booster pumps to ensure safety and reliability in critical systems.
Instrument landing and weather systems
Acsa is strategising the replacement of critical infrastructure for Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and Automated Weather Observation Systems (AWOS), in collaboration with ATNS and the SACAA, with most milestones due by the end of 2026.
According to Acsa, JNB’s AWOS replacement was completed in March, and ILS replacement is expected to commence in August. Additionally, Acsa has also started a phased replacement of ILS infrastructure at Cape Town International Airport (CPT), which it expected to be completed by early 2027.
Passenger experience improvements
At JNB, a phased refurbishment of ablution facilities is in progress. This project, which began in December 2024, is scheduled for completion by December 2025.
Acsa is also refurbishing and replacing passenger loading bridges and canopy covers at multiple sites. Key milestones are targeted for completion from November 2025 through 2026.
It also aims to complete its ongoing replacement and refurbishment of escalators and lifts to address long-standing congestion at JNB and CPT, with several escalator installations already complete and the overall programme concluding in 2027.
Finally, Acsa is replacing heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and cooling at domestic and international terminals, for a more comfortable airport experience.
