The DA in the Western Cape welcomes ACSA's commitment to expand Cape Town International Airport. This expansion is an urgent necessity, driven by the Western Cape’s remarkable growth in tourism, which has seen a steady recovery since the Covid pandemic. Moreover, it presents a valuable opportunity for Cape Town and the province to bolster the local economy and generate additional employment opportunities.

In May of this year, I wrote and advocated for the expansion of the airport, recognising the numerous benefits it would bring to both the City and the province. As the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Mobility, I will be inviting ACSA to brief the committee on the project's progress and provide updates regarding the anticipated timelines.

As an award-winning airport and with the recent announcement of numerous new international flights, Cape Town's status as a sought-after destination is solidified.

ACSA's plan to construct an additional runway capable of accommodating larger airplanes with wider wing spans not only addresses the needs of the aviation industry but also provides a solution to the ongoing airspace challenges faced by the airport. The current limited availability of airspace not only hampers local flying schools in securing adequate training areas but also poses a serious safety concern.

Additionally, adequate airport infrastructure is indispensable for the flourishing of the local economy, as it serves as a vital gateway for trade, investment, tourism, stimulating growth, fostering job creation, and facilitating seamless connectivity with the global marketplace.

MPP Derrick America said: “This project was supposed to be finished this year, but due to Covid, this important project was put on ice by ACSA. An expanded airport will create hundreds of new jobs, providing opportunities for our citizens and stimulating economic growth.

The DA in the Western Cape fully supports ACSA's decision to expand Cape Town International Airport and recognises the positive impact it will have on the Western Cape’s growth, job creation, and tourism industry."

 

Issued by Derrick America, MPP - DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Mobility