Cape Town International Airport receives node from DEA to build new runway

February 1, 2018: Cape Town International Airport recently received go –ahead from the department of environmental affairs (DEA) to construct a new realigned runway.

The new runway is expected to infuse about R3.8 billion into the economy of Cape Town and the Western Cape. The construction of the runway is expected to commence in 2019.

According to Deidre Davids of Cape Town International Airport, the airport’s plans has reached an important milestone. “The team has worked hard to get us to this point. We engaged all interested and affected parties, and thus we are celebrating today. As a responsible developer, we uphold all environmental parameters, and shall also take into account the current water situation when we construct the new runway,” said Davids.

The proposed airport will realign the primary runway, and construct parallel and rapid exit taxiways. The realigned primary runway will be 3,500 metres in length, and would be built according to global standards. The new runway and its associated infrastructure shall facilitate greater air access into the Cape Town and the Western Cape, and will trigger growth of passenger and cargo traffic, which is essential for tourism and economic activity.

The developments will also help in improving access for larger aircraft with a wingspan of over 65 m, including Airbus A-380.

“This project is expected to fuel overall growth for the airport, network of South Africa airports and Cape Town,” said Davids.