Cape Town International Airport is getting a makeover to the tune of R11.5 billion. And not for nothing – the upgrade will expand the airport’s capacity from 8.5 million passengers a year to 40 million.
That may not sound like it has much to do with the average Capetonian, but consider this: according to the Cape Argus, the total tourism spend by visitors arriving through Cape Town International amounts to more than 11% of our city’s GDP, and makes up 8% of Cape Town’s total employment.
More visitors through that terminal means more ka-ching for everyone from infrastructure planners to the guy on the street.
Bharat Bhikha, projects manager at the airport, said that the 10-year investment included 15 projects worth R9 billion, and 70 smaller ones making up the rest of the total. The major refurbishments would be on the air side, including a new runway and a taxis upgrade.
The project is due to be complete in its entirety by 2025.
People can’t get visas to visit the country so what’s the point