By Adrian Ephraim
The R8-billion Cape Winelands Airport project is progressing toward its 2028 opening target, with developer RSA Aero working through a critical construction planning phase as several regulatory milestones remain outstanding.
Spokesperson Deidre Davids confirmed the project is on schedule. Situated on the historic Fisantekraal airfield north of Durbanville, the 450-hectare aviation precinct is targeting a construction start in Q4 2026, with detailed technical design now underway.
Partners, planning and the precinct vision
Two significant partnerships are shaping the next phase. Construction contractor WBHO has been appointed — a milestone Davids described as pivotal — while Growthpoint Properties has come on board as strategic development partner, taking responsibility for long-term property and asset management across the precinct’s logistics, commercial and hospitality components.
The terminal concept is deliberately contemporary: light, open spaces celebrating the Winelands setting, a boutique building, and technology-assisted passenger processing. RSA Aero says it has received strong interest from a wide range of potential business partners and wants to work with role-players who share its commitment to first-class service.
EIA appeals and licensing decisions imminent
RSA Aero received Environmental Impact Assessment authorisation in October 2024. Of six appeals subsequently lodged, one has since been withdrawn. A ministerial decision on the remaining five is expected by end of March 2026 — an outcome that will directly influence construction timelines.
Equally consequential is the international licence application submitted in late 2024. Davids described it as a key decision with a direct correlation to the build programme, adding that the company remains optimistic the outcome is imminent. Planning and zoning approvals are also in progress.
Water, local suppliers and community engagement
The project secured its water use licence from the Department of Water and Sanitation in January 2026. The strategy includes reusing treated wastewater for irrigation, minimising consumption through design, and identifying operational efficiencies – a response to the responsibilities of operating in a water-stressed region.
Opportunities for local businesses span a broad value chain: cleaning, facilities maintenance, catering, retail, logistics, IT, security and professional services. RSA Aero has held information sessions with local business forums and is working with WBHO to support SMMEs in the surrounding area. Interested suppliers can register on the RSA Aero website.
The economic case for a second Cape Town airport
Positioned near South Africa’s most significant tourism and agricultural export region, Cape Winelands Airport aims to enhance access for high-value tourism, business travel and time-sensitive cargo, strengthening links between Paarl, Stellenbosch and surrounding nodes with global markets.
Davids framed the project’s purpose plainly: a second international airport for Cape Town is about securing the long-term competitiveness of the city and the country. Tourism, she noted, is a perishable product that exists in a highly competitive environment.
At this stage, the Cape Winelands Airport project is still progressing through the necessary planning, approval and funding processes, so supplier and construction-related tenders have not yet commenced.
Companies that are interested in potential future opportunities are advised to register on the supplier database using the link below. https://capewinelands.aero/opportunities/#supp-reg
