Cape Town's second international airport is underway right in the heart of the Winelands.
The Cape Winelands Airport is moving closer to take-off, with developers confirming plans for construction to begin in the new year, pending environmental approval.
Environmental Authorisation to clear new airport lift-off
The final stages of the airport's Environmental Authorisation process were submitted earlier this year, in June. It weighs the project’s economic benefits, including job creation and improved regional connectivity, against environmental impacts, such as farmland loss and biodiversity degradation.
Developers have proposed extensive plans to counter the impact. Plans include operating largely off-grid, utilising renewable power and water reuse systems to achieve conservation offsets, as well as local road upgrades.
What passengers can look forward to at the Cape Winelands International Airport
Additionally, the first phase of the R7–10 billion development is expected to complement Cape Town International, rather than compete with it.
Private operators of the airport RSA.Aero aims to transform the airport into a full-scale international hub, featuring a 3.5-kilometre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, a boutique passenger terminal, new cargo facilities, and a heliport.
A hotel, retail spaces, conference facilities, and even sustainable aviation fuel storage are all part of the vision.
The site, formerly known as Fisantekraal Airfield, is not yet a commercial or passenger airport. Still, with its four runways (two active), it serves as a base for pilot training schools and general aviation services near Cape Town.
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Long-Term Tourism Impact for the Cape
The team behind Cape Winelands Airport says it’s building more than just a runway - it’s creating an economic engine for the region.
Positioned at the crossroads of tourism, agribusiness, and logistics, the new airport aims to spark job creation, boostsupply chains, and open up new tourism opportunities across the Cape.
In a bid to put the project on the global map, the airport team recently attended Routes World 2025 in Hong Kong, where they met with airlines and investors to generate international interest. It’s all part of a broader push to connect the Winelands directly with global travel routes — and turn the area into a powerful gateway for growth.
If all timelines and approvals are met, passenger operations could start by 2028, relieving pressure on Cape Town International Airport and opening a new gateway for visitors heading directly into the Winelands.
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