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R14.5 Billion Upgrade Transforms OR Tambo International Airport into a Modern African Aviation Hub R14.5 Billion Upgrade Transforms OR Tambo International Airport into a Modern African Aviation Hub

Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) is undergoing a substantial transformation, driven by a R14.5 billion capital investment programme led by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). This ambitious five-year project aims to modernise critical infrastructure, boost operational reliability, and elevate the passenger experience at Africa’s busiest airport, solidifying its role as a premier gateway to Southern Africa.

Passengers travelling through OR Tambo are already benefiting from a series of noticeable enhancements across the terminal. High-traffic areas have seen significant upgrades designed to enhance comfort and streamline movement. Refurbished escalators and travelators now provide smoother transfers between concourses, while new ergonomic seating options offer improved comfort during layovers. Additionally, enhanced wayfinding signage simplifies navigation, helping travellers make connections with ease. In a bid to modernise aesthetics and durability, the airport has replaced carpets at international boarding gates with sleek, easy-to-clean tiling, creating a fresher and more contemporary environment.

One of the cornerstone elements of the upgrade is a major refurbishment of restroom facilities, an area identified through passenger feedback as requiring urgent attention. Prioritising hygiene and comfort, the project has already completed new ablution facilities in Domestic Arrivals on the ground floor, alongside upgraded restrooms in Domestic Departures near Central Security. These improvements have been well received, offering travellers cleaner and more inviting spaces.

The restroom upgrade is being executed in two carefully staged phases to minimise disruption. Phase one, spanning from June 2025 to March 2026, involves modernising 90 restrooms across the terminal. Phase two, set to commence in July 2026, will see an additional 780 restrooms upgraded, representing a comprehensive overhaul of the airport’s sanitary facilities.

This phased approach ensures that passenger experience remains a priority throughout the construction period, balancing ongoing operations with the delivery of world-class infrastructure. ACSA’s commitment to minimising inconvenience underscores the airport’s focus on seamless service even amidst major enhancements.

For travellers, these upgrades translate into a cleaner, more comfortable, and easier-to-navigate airport environment. As OR Tambo steadily evolves, it is transforming into a modern aviation hub that meets the expectations of today’s discerning international and regional passengers. Enhanced infrastructure not only improves passenger satisfaction but also supports the airport’s operational efficiency, critical for handling growing passenger volumes and airline traffic.

OR Tambo’s ongoing development aligns with South Africa’s broader goals of strengthening connectivity and boosting tourism and trade across the continent. By investing in infrastructure modernization, ACSA is ensuring that OR Tambo remains competitive among global gateways, capable of accommodating future growth while maintaining high service standards.

For stakeholders in Africa’s travel industry, these improvements signal exciting opportunities. Enhanced airport facilities contribute to smoother travel experiences, encouraging increased visitor arrivals and business travel through Johannesburg. This, in turn, supports airlines, tour operators, and hospitality providers by creating a more attractive entry point into Southern Africa.

As the upgrade programme progresses, continued enhancements are expected to extend beyond passenger amenities to include operational technologies and sustainability initiatives. This comprehensive approach will further position OR Tambo International Airport as a flagship example of modern African aviation infrastructure.

In summary, the R14.5 billion capital investment at OR Tambo is a transformative project that promises to redefine the airport experience in Johannesburg. For the African travel ecosystem, it represents a significant step toward world-class infrastructure that supports economic growth, regional integration, and enhanced global connectivity.