Cape Town International Airport has received final approval, after conclusion of the appeals process, from the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA)  for the construction of a realigned runway. The project marks a R3.8 billion (€257m) investment in the economy of Cape Town and the Western Cape.

Deidre Davids, Senior Manager of Corporate Affairs for Cape Town International Airport, said: “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.”

The airport will realign the primary runway and construct parallel and rapid exit taxiways. The realigned primary runway will be 3.5km 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.

The developments will improve access for larger aircraft with a wingspan of 65m or more, such as the Airbus A380. If all processes, such as detailed design, are concluded timeously, construction of the runway will start in 2019.

“This project is about growth, not only for the airport and the network of Airports Company South Africa airports, but also for the region as a whole,” added Davids.