Cape Winelands Airport expansion project open for public comment

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01-12-2023
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Cape Town Etc
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The Cape Winelands Airport on Lichtenburg Road outside Durbanville will be entirely upgraded, with the expansion plan including a realigned runway with all associated airside infrastructure such as taxiways, aprons (which are aircraft parking bays), a new boutique terminal building, cargo facilities and fuel storage amenities.

This project aims to evolve the facility into a commercial airport, like Gauteng’s Lanseria Airport. However, this development has sparked noise pollution concerns among Durbanville residents, with discussions intensifying in local Facebook groups.

The airport’s expansion plan is currently open for public comment until 8 December. This initiative marks the first round of public participation, with another scheduled for the new year.

Originally named Fisantekraal Airport, this ex-South African Air Force aerodrome dates back to 1943, serving in World War II for Lockheed Ventura bombers. Post-war, it transitioned to a general aviation airfield, supporting activities like recreational flying, flight training and charter operations.

In 1993, Doug Delange acquired the site, later passing in a 2018 aircraft crash. Business entrepreneurs Rob Hersov and Nick Ferguson took ownership in November 2020, establishing Cape Winelands Airport Ltd.

As per News24, Deidre Davids, a spokesperson for Cape Winelands Airport, said that the comprehensive upgrade plan includes a realigned runway, new taxiways, aprons, a boutique terminal, cargo facilities and fuel storage.

The 150-ha site’s revamp necessitates an environmental impact assessment (EIA), currently led by independent environmental practitioners.

Approximately 10.5 km northeast of Durbanville and 25 km from Cape Town International Airport, the airport boasts strong regional connectivity. It is accessible via Klipheuwel Road (R302), Lichtenburg Road (R312) and Koelenhof Road (R304).

The expansion will be phased, involving the realignment of a primary runway (3.5 km) and refurbishing a secondary cross runway (700 m). The draft environmental scoping report indicates the new airport’s capability to accommodate long-haul, wide-body flights from global airlines and operators.

As the airport gears up for this major transformation, balancing development ambitions with community concerns remains a critical task. The outcome of the public consultation process will be pivotal in shaping the airport’s future and its impact on the surrounding areas.