Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) has received final approval from the South African government for the construction of the airport’s new realigned runway after the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) concluded the appeals process earlier this month. “This project marks a R3.8bn investment into the economy of Cape Town and the Western Cape,” said Deidre Davids, senior communications manager at CTIA. The upgrades include the realignment of the primary runway – which will be 3 500m in length – and the construction of parallel and rapid exit taxiways. Davids pointed out that the new runway and associated infrastructure would facilitate greater air access into Cape Town and the Western Cape and would enable the growth of cargo traffic. “The developments will improve access for larger aircraft with a wingspan of 65 metres or more – such as the Airbus A380,” she said, noting that construction of the runway was expected to start in 2019. Davids pointed out that CTIA remained committed to being a responsible developer, upholding all environmental and other requirements.
