With an estimated R7 billion airport expansion programme, the picturesque Cape Winelands region is set to soar to new heights, marking a significant milestone in the area’s development and accessibility.
Also read: Developers make progress on R7b expansion at Cape Winelands Airport
Cape Winelands Airport, which opened in 1943, is a vital part of Durbanville’s Northern District. As one of the region’s oldest airfields, it has primarily served the General Aviation community.
Because of its strategic location, the airport is a vital asset for the region, poised to make a significant contribution to the local economy and the aviation industry.
The belief is that your vacation begins when you arrive at the airport, not when you arrive at your destination. Vineyards are included in the development plans as part of the landscaping aesthetics to portray the region’s wine culture, ensuring that when one arrives at the terminal precinct of Cape Winelands Airport, one will be surrounded by vineyards with open spaces that include a plaza, a hotel, a conference centre, a wine tasting experience, an outdoor amphitheatre for events up to 5000 people, an aviation museum, and plenty of at-grade parking, all situated in a ‘park’ like environment.
A botanical garden with a diverse collection of indigenous fynbos from around the world will be located in the controlled airside area of the airport. The airport will provide a variety of modern amenities and services to enhance the travel experience.
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These include efficient check-in counters equipped with advanced technology for quick processing, spacious and comfortable waiting lounges with ergonomic seating, and a diverse selection of high-quality dining establishments and boutique shopping outlets, ensuring that passengers have access to a diverse range of food and retail options to suit their preferences and needs.
Cape Winelands Airport will be a vital gateway to the Cape Winelands region, providing domestic and international flight options and opening up new routes. By 2050, the airport will effectively handle 2,000,000 international tourists and 3,000,000 domestic travellers per year, increasing the region’s annual passenger traffic from 10 million to 20 million passengers.
In addition to job creation, the airport is expected to have a significant impact on the regional economy. Increased tourism and business opportunities will help to grow local businesses and industries, particularly around logistics clusters.
The airport aims to be self-sufficient and off the grid for water and electricity as far as possible.
It will use renewable energy sources, such as solar and chicken manure biogas power, to power its facilities and operations as part of its commitment to sustainability and innovation. This shift towards self-sufficiency will not only reduce carbon footprints, but will also ensure a consistent and uninterrupted energy supply, even in adverse weather conditions.
The airport will install cutting-edge water recycling systems that will save and purify water for various airport needs. Additionally, its waste management practices will prioritise recycling and composting, further reducing its environmental impact.
Over the last three years, the team has been meticulously planning and consulting with stakeholders from the broader aviation industry. This collaborative effort demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing passengers, airlines, and partners with world-class services and facilities.
Cape Winelands Airport aims to improve the travel experience, increase operational efficiency, and remain at the forefront of aviation innovation by meticulously crafting a strategic vision over years of hard work.
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Cape Winelands Airport expansion project open for public comment
Picture: Supplied