The Proposed Cape Winelands Airport Expansion EIA Progresses

Located approximately 13km northeast of Durbanville and 25km northeast of Cape Town International Airport (CTIA), Cape Winelands Airport has served the region for 81 years. Currently home to some of Cape Town’s flight training schools, the airport largely serves the general aviation market. The planned expansion is set to change the airport into a modern, sustainable facility through a phased development approach. This includes the realignment of the primary runway (01-19), and extending its length to 3.5 km. The development will also include comprehensive airside infrastructure such as taxiways, aircraft parking stands, refueling systems, and cargo facilities. The expansion plans include a new boutique terminal building with modern facilities such as efficient check-in counters with advanced technology for swift processing, spacious and comfortable waiting lounges with ergonomic seating and an array of retail options. The exterior will include at-grade parking and landscaped areas to enhance the airport’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. Plans also include a hotel and conference center both of which will be developed based on a solid business case to ensure long-term viability and success.

“The EIA is a crucial piece of the puzzle, and the acceptance of the final scoping report is key to the next phase of this project,” said Deidre Davids, spokesperson for Cape Winelands Airport. “This acceptance affirms that we are taking the right steps to ensure the development is both environmentally sustainable and aligned with our long-term vision for the airport.” With the acceptance of the scoping report, the EIA will now enter the detailed impact phase, which includes more than seventeen specialist studies assessing key aspects such as noise, socio-economic impacts, transport, botanical effects, and climate considerations, among others.

Once the airport has been expanded, it will make an important contribution to the aviation sector as an alternate airport for fuel planning purposes for the airlines. By law, every departing flight is required to designate an alternate airport for reserve fuel planning if they are unable to land at their intended airport. “A second airport for Cape Town is well aligned to the growth the region continues to see. Once expanded the airport will fulfil several key roles within the aviation sector, notably that of an alternate airport for reserve fuel planning for the airlines – ultimately helping the airlines make major cost savings due to the reduced fuel uplift. Other benefits to the airlines because of a closer alternate airport includes the reduction in fuel consumption, a reduction in CO2 emissions and improved cargo opportunities – all of which leads to cost and environmental benefits. Not only that, with CWA only 25km’s away from Cape Town Airport, if airlines are diverted, passengers will be able to land in the same city as opposed to a different one – so a major positive for the passengers too” according to Davids.

The final in-process Scoping Report which has now been accepted follows on from the draft in-process Scoping report that was circulated for public comment from 24 July to 26 August 2024. Input from Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) was carefully considered and contributed to the final reports and scope of the specialist and technical studies, leading to amendments where necessary. These inputs were incorporated into the final Scoping Report and the Plan of Study submitted to DEA&DP. “We appreciate the valuable insights and contributions from interested and affected parties, and we are fully committed to fostering a fair, open, and transparent process. Engaging with the various stakeholder groups in this way strengthens the project, ensuring it aligns with both environmental responsibilities and the needs of all stakeholders involved”, said Davids.

Anyone interested in registering as an interested and affected party can contact the independent environmental practitioners, PHS Consulting by emailing amanda@phsconsulting.co.za.