The Cape Winelands Airport is inching closer to reality, and it’s shaping up to be more than just a new runway in the Western Cape. Once a rugged South African Air Force base called Fisantekraal back in 1943, this airstrip is now dreaming big—think international flights, a gleaming terminal, and a hotel where you can rest before jetting off. By 2027 or maybe 2028, passengers could be boarding flights here, sipping coffee while gazing out at the rolling Winelands hills. It’s still a work in progress, but things are moving fast.
Major Milestones on the Horizon
Right now, the project team is wrapping up the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)—a major step before construction can begin. The final report is expected to be completed by 31 March 2025, and if all goes according to plan, ground could be broken later this year. Deon Cloete, who has managed major airports like Cape Town International, is at the helm of this transformation. His vision? A 3.5-kilometer runway, shops for last-minute essentials, and a R7 billion investment to turn this old airfield into a bustling travel hub. And it’s no small endeavour—once fully operational, the airport could see up to 5.2 million passengers annually.
The Future of Travel: Smart, Green, and Convenient
One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its sustainability. The Cape Winelands Airport is set to host Africa’s first digital control tower—sleek screens replacing bulky traditional equipment to guide flights with cutting-edge precision. Solar panels will harness the Cape’s abundant sunshine, and water recycling initiatives will keep operations running efficiently without unnecessary strain on local resources. Positioned just 25 kilometres from Cape Town International, it’s close enough for convenience but far enough to serve as a unique, independent hub. Travellers from Durbanville, Stellenbosch, and Paarl are already imagining shorter drives to catch a flight.
Then there’s the job market—an estimated 58,000 new jobs by 2050. That means baristas pouring lattes, mechanics fine-tuning jet engines, and thousands more finding employment thanks to this expansion. Airlines are already showing interest, with Lufthansa reportedly considering signing on. The team, working alongside Wesgro, is actively courting more carriers to boost regional and international connectivity. Picture it: a seamless journey from the N1 highway, linking cars and planes into one effortless experience. It’s not just about travel—it’s about making the Winelands a destination people want to fly from.
Of course, challenges remain. At a public consultation last November, some residents raised concerns about noise and traffic, and further studies are underway to address these issues. But the vision is taking shape—a fresh, forward-thinking airport that’s less about delays and more about smooth departures. Imagine strolling through a modern terminal, suitcase in one hand, maybe a bottle of local wine in the other, ready to explore the world. The Cape Winelands Airport isn’t here yet—but it’s close, and when it arrives, it’s set to redefine air travel in the region.
