The Cape Winelands Airport (CWA) is making significant progress towards becoming a key commercial aviation hub in South Africa. With the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process nearing completion and funding arrangements advancing, the long-anticipated airport is set to break ground by the end of 2025.
Previously known as Fisantekraal Airfield, the site has a rich history, originally constructed as an operational base for the South African Air Force. Now, under the leadership of Deon Cloete, Managing Director of CWA and former executive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and King Shaka International Airport, the facility is set to be transformed into a modern, multimodal transportation hub.
Strategically positioned just five kilometers from the N1 highway, CWA is designed to integrate air, rail, and road transport, providing seamless connectivity for travelers. This accessibility is expected to boost both passenger and cargo operations, benefiting local businesses and the broader Western Cape economy.
While pending regulatory approvals, including the EIA, which is expected to be finalized by mid-2025, construction is scheduled to begin in late 2025. The airport will feature a 3.5-kilometer runway, a state-of-the-art terminal building, retail spaces, aircraft hangars, and an adjacent hotel. If development proceeds as planned, the airport could be fully operational by late 2027 or early 2028.
CWA’s development team is committed to sustainability, incorporating innovative, eco-friendly designs to reduce the airport’s environmental footprint. “We’re aiming to create a ‘smart and green’ airport that will set new standards in the industry,” says Cloete. The project will utilize renewable energy sources, efficient water management systems, and environmentally responsible landscaping techniques. This approach aligns with global trends where airports increasingly focus on sustainability to meet environmental regulations and consumer expectations.
A crucial aspect of CWA’s success will be its ability to attract airline partners. The airport will collaborate with Wesgro, the official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency for the Western Cape, to secure airline routes, much like Wesgro has done for Cape Town International Airport through the Cape Town Air Access project.
To further strengthen its position in the global aviation market, CWA executives will attend industry events such as Routes World conferences, where they will engage with international airlines and aviation stakeholders to promote the airport’s potential.
The establishment of the Cape Winelands Airport is expected to create numerous job opportunities, both during construction and once operations begin. Additionally, it will enhance tourism in the region, known for its picturesque vineyards and world-class wineries. Increased accessibility may attract more visitors, benefiting local businesses, hotels, and the hospitality sector.
With its strategic location, sustainability-focused design, and strong efforts to attract airlines, Cape Winelands Airport is poised to become a major player in South Africa’s aviation sector. If regulatory approvals proceed smoothly, the airport could redefine air travel in the Western Cape, providing enhanced connectivity and economic growth for the region.
