DA welcomes R21.7bn Cape Town Airport upgrade, cites disruption concerns

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape has welcomed the planned multi-billion rand upgrade of Cape Town International Airport but expressed concern regarding potential disruptions during construction.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) announced a R21.7 billion plan to upgrade airports across the country over the next five years.

At Cape Town International Airport, upgrades to the domestic arrivals area are scheduled to begin next month and will continue until 2029. Other improvements include a new runway, expanded international terminals, and upgraded security systems.

Between late October and the end of January, nearly 11.7 million passengers travelled through the airport.

ACSA has admitted that the construction will cause some disruptions.

DA Member of the Provincial Parliament, Noko Masipa, stated he will request that ACSA brief the Provincial Parliament’s Standing Committee on Economic Development and Tourism regarding the upgrade plans.

"We need assurances from ACSA on their efforts to mitigate the disruptions these upgrades will cause," Masipa said.

Masipa emphasised that ACSA must provide clear plans and timelines, as well as outline how they will reduce disruptions during the upgrades.