South Africa’s Airports Get R21.7 Billion Upgrade
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is embarking on a transformative infrastructure program across its nine airports. This R21.7 billion investment demonstrates ACSA’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, elevating the passenger experience, and driving sustainable growth within South Africa’s aviation sector. This major undertaking presents exciting new opportunities for African travel agents, promising improved facilities and smoother travel experiences for their clients.
The comprehensive program encompasses essential maintenance and large-scale capital expansion projects. ACSA is prioritizing critical infrastructure upgrades, including sewerage systems, restrooms, and fire escapes, to ensure passenger safety and comfort. Enhanced hygiene measures in high-traffic areas further demonstrate ACSA’s dedication to providing a world-class travel experience.
OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), Africa’s busiest airport, is undergoing a phased refurbishment of all restrooms. This project, scheduled for completion by December 2025, will significantly improve hygiene standards and passenger comfort. Travel professionals can assure their clients of enhanced facilities and a more pleasant transit experience at OR Tambo.
ACSA CEO, Ms. Mpumi Mpofu, confirmed during a stakeholder briefing that the majority of these infrastructure projects will be finalized between late 2025 and 2027. She emphasized ACSA’s commitment to investing in future-proof infrastructure, ensuring long-term growth and resilience in South African aviation. This forward-thinking approach provides travel agents with confidence in the reliability and quality of South Africa’s airport infrastructure.
Ms. Mpofu highlighted the program as a symbol of ACSA’s robust post-pandemic recovery, reflecting the company’s financial stability and its ability to reinvest in infrastructure that benefits both the aviation industry and the national economy. This positive outlook underscores the strength of South Africa’s travel sector and its potential for continued growth.
ACSA’s infrastructure upgrades aim to modernize airport operations, improve energy resilience, and accommodate future passenger growth. Key projects include a new jet fuel feeder line and backup power generators at OR Tambo, ensuring a consistent fuel supply and uninterrupted operations. These enhancements will minimize potential disruptions and ensure smooth travel experiences for passengers.
Across several airports, passenger loading bridges are undergoing structural refurbishments and system upgrades, with key milestones expected between November 2025 and 2026. These improvements will enhance efficiency and passenger comfort during boarding and disembarking.
A phased replacement of uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems will enhance energy reliability in critical operational areas, ensuring smooth airport operations even during power outages. This enhanced resilience provides travel agents with peace of mind, knowing that their clients’ journeys will be less susceptible to disruptions.
Ongoing replacement of escalators and lifts aims to improve passenger flow and eliminate long-standing inefficiencies. Several new escalators are already in operation, with the full replacement program scheduled for completion in 2027. These improvements will enhance accessibility and create a more seamless travel experience for all passengers.
Upgrades to instrument landing systems (ILS) and automated weather observation systems (AWOS), set for completion by late 2026, will enhance aviation safety and regulatory compliance. These technological advancements reinforce South Africa’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in its airspace.
Terminal and roofing works, including HVAC system upgrades and roof waterproofing, are part of a broader strategy to improve passenger comfort and safety. These enhancements will create a more pleasant and secure environment for travelers.
Extensive refurbishment of fuel hydrants, booster pumps, and meter systems will further enhance operational safety and reliability. These essential upgrades demonstrate ACSA’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency in its fuel handling operations.
ACSA is working closely with the South African government, airlines, and commercial partners to ensure these infrastructure upgrades are completed on schedule and with minimal disruption to passengers. This collaborative approach minimizes potential inconveniences and ensures a smooth transition during the implementation phase.
ACSA’s passenger volumes have rebounded strongly post-pandemic, reaching 27.2 million in 2023/24. While still below pre-pandemic levels of 32.5 million, the upward trend and projected growth through 2027, supported by the ongoing infrastructure investments, signal a positive outlook for South Africa’s aviation sector. Travel professionals can leverage this growth by promoting South Africa as a safe, reliable, and increasingly attractive destination.
This ambitious infrastructure program positions South Africa as a leader in African aviation, enhancing its competitiveness and attracting increased international traffic. Travel agents across Africa can capitalize on these developments by promoting South Africa’s world-class airports and the enhanced travel experiences they offer. This initiative not only benefits South African tourism but also strengthens the entire African aviation landscape, creating new opportunities for growth and collaboration across the continent.
