Cape Town International Airport Set for R21.7 Billion Transformation – Vos Welcomes Upgrade
Piece by James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth
Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) is about to get a major facelift, and Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, is celebrating what he calls a long-awaited victory for the city’s connectivity and economy.
“I warmly welcome ACSA’s announcement of these upgrades,” Vos said. “This has been a project close to my heart for years. As part of our push to land more flights and open new international routes, we’ve been advocating tirelessly for expanded capacity, and now, after all our efforts, Cape Town is hosting 228 international flights every week and connected to 31 destinations worldwide. It’s proof that our strategies, from tourism campaigns to city-to-city agreements, are working.”
According to Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the ambitious R21.7 billion upgrade plan will include a new runway, expanded domestic and international terminals, and upgraded security systems. “With over 10 million travelers processed in 2024 and cargo volumes up 56%, the upgrades couldn’t come at a more critical time,” says Vos.
The economic stakes are high. According to Wesgro, the province’s tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency, international arrivals at CTIA contributed R24.3 billion to the Western Cape economy in 2022, supporting more than 10,000 jobs. “Every flight that lands here translates into opportunities for our city, from hotels and restaurants to transport and retail. Aviation is truly an economic engine for Cape Town,” Vos explained.
The airport’s recent growth reflects years of strategic planning. Airlines like KLM have increased their frequencies, while new carriers are eyeing routes into the Mother City. Vos notes that this progress highlights the effectiveness of Cape Town’s Air Access initiative, and he said he has enjoyed working closely with the team to help bring these new routes and connections to the city.
“Beyond just expanding the airport, this is about securing Cape Town’s place on the global stage,” Vos said. “I will be closely following ACSA’s project timeline and delivery plan to make sure these upgrades are executed efficiently and on schedule. This is a win not just for travellers, but for every Capetonian who benefits from a thriving economy.”
