Restructuring of ownership at Gauteng’s Lanseria International Airport is expected to unlock significant capital for infrastructure projects planned to transform the facility into a regional and global aviation hub.

Two of the airport’s major shareholders – the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) and the Pan African Infrastructure Development Fund (PAIDF) – have announced changes in their shareholdings as part of strategic realignment and restructuring of investment in the airport.

The GEPF will increase its shareholding while the PAIDF will transfer its interest to a newly formed investment vehicle called Harith InfraCo Limited. The realignment is the first significant change since 2013 when the GEPF, together with the PAIDF and an empowerment consortium led by Nozala Investments, acquired ownership of the airport.

Lanseria International Airport CEO Rampa Rammopo said the changes clearly signal shareholders’ confidence in the airport’s growth potential and operational excellence while unlocking the investment needed for key projects. These include the development of a cargo precinct, maintenance repair overhaul (MRO) facility and fixed base operator (FBO) precinct. Lanseria also plans to upgrade its taxiway infrastructure, including a new fuel farm.

Around R1 billion (€54m) has been allocated for the MRO and FBO projects, which are expected to begin in 2026 for completion in 2031. The R200 million (€10.8m) taxiway upgrade, expected to be completed in 2027, will allow the airport to accommodate larger aircraft such as Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s. The R140 million (€7.5m) fuel farm will add approximately six million litres of Jet A1 fuel and Avgas to the current one million-litre capacity.

“These capital projects will increase the airport’s efficiency and reliability, attracting international trade and logistic partners, revitalise our general aviation services and expand our operational capacity, reinforcing our reputation for excellence while enhancing Lanseria’s competitiveness on the global stage,” said Rammopo.

“Lanseria remains focused on strengthening our role as a gateway to Africa, fostering growth in the business and tourism sectors and building our domestic economy.”

Lanseria has also set its sights on regional expansion through acquiring and managing airports across Africa.