Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is rolling out a multi-year infrastructure program across all nine of its airports following a bold R21.7 billion investment—a move set to boost passenger comfort, streamline operations, and future-proof the country’s aviation landscape.
Picture/Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism
For travel professionals and frequent flyers alike, this translates into smoother connections, better facilities, and fewer unexpected delays, this is according to Travel News Africa.
A new era for airport experiences
At the heart of this revamp is a focus on comfort, cleanliness, and operational excellence. From improved sewerage systems and modernised restrooms to upgraded fire escapes, ACSA is prioritising essential infrastructure that directly impacts the traveller experience.
OR Tambo International Airport, the busiest in Africa, is leading the charge with a complete phased refurbishment of all restrooms — a project expected to wrap up by December 2025. Frequent travellers can look forward to cleaner, more accessible facilities and shorter queues.
Major works: From boarding bridges to backup power
Several structural upgrades are underway or in the pipeline. Passenger loading bridges are being rebuilt and fitted with new systems to ensure smoother boarding and disembarking — with significant milestones due from late 2025 through 2026.
To tackle the country’s well-known power challenges, airports will receive new backup generators and a phased upgrade of their uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. This will ensure that key operational areas, like check-in counters and baggage systems, stay online even during outages.
Jet fuel systems are also being overhauled. A new feeder line and upgraded hydrants will reduce fuelling delays and enhance safety. Booster pumps and meter systems are included in the revamp to ensure greater efficiency and environmental compliance.
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Travel tech gets a boost
On the tech front, upgrades to instrument landing systems (ILS) and automated weather observation systems (AWOS) are planned through 2026. These systems play a vital role in aircraft navigation and safety, especially in poor weather.
Terminal HVAC systems and waterproofed roofing are being addressed, too, to ensure that passengers are comfortable no matter the season. Escalators and lifts are also being replaced in phases, with several already in operation.
ACSA’s long-term vision
ACSA CEO, Mpumi Mpofu, confirmed that the bulk of these projects will reach completion between late 2025 and 2027. During a stakeholder briefing, she framed the programme as a strategic push toward long-term sustainability and competitiveness in the global aviation market.
“These upgrades are not just about fixing what’s broken,” said Mpofu. “They’re about building the kind of resilient, efficient infrastructure that keeps South African aviation growing well into the future.”
And the numbers back it up. Passenger volumes hit 27.2 million in the 2023/24 financial year — a major recovery from pandemic lows, though still shy of the 32.5 million recorded pre-COVID. With infrastructure improvements paving the way, that upward trajectory is expected to continue.
What this means for African travel agents
For travel agents across the continent, this is good news. Improved infrastructure means less downtime, better connectivity, and happier clients. Agents promoting South Africa as a destination can now speak to more than just safari and city attractions — they can also highlight smoother, more comfortable airport experiences.
As South Africa positions itself as a leader in African aviation, the ripple effect is clear: more international arrivals, increased intra-African connectivity, and better business for tourism professionals continent-wide.
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