Cape Town International Airport to get new runway
The DEA concluded the appeals process and has now ruled that the runway project may proceed. This project marks a R3.8bn investment into the economy of Cape Town and the Western Cape.
Deidre Davids of Cape Town International Airport says: “The team has worked long and hard to get us to this point. We have gone out of our way to engage interested and affected parties and today we celebrate. We remain committed to being a responsible developer upholding all environmental and other requirements. Part of being a responsible developer is to be most mindful of the current water situation when we construct.”
3,500m in length
The airport will realign the primary runway and construct parallel and rapid exit taxiways. The realigned primary runway will be 3,500m in length and will be built to international specifications.
The new runway and associated infrastructure will facilitate greater air access into Cape Town and the Western Cape and will enable growth of passenger and cargo traffic that is essential for tourism and economic activity.
Improved access for larger aircraft
The developments will improve access for larger aircraft with a wingspan of 65m or more, such as the Airbus A-380. Given the efforts around air access and the resultant passenger growth, the timing of the approval of this project is apt. If all processes, such as detailed design, are concluded timeously, construction of the runway will start in 2019.
Airports Company South Africa will notify the Department of Environmental Affairs at least 14 days before the construction of the runway realignment project commences.
Related
