Cape Winelands Airport Clears Final Environmental Appeal Hurdle

By Garth Calitz

The proposed development of Cape Winelands Airport has reached a major milestone after the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEADP) officially concluded the appeals process relating to the project’s Environmental Authorisation.

In a final ruling, the Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Wilhelm Bredell, dismissed all remaining appeals lodged against the development, effectively clearing the way for the project team to move ahead with the next phases of planning and preparation.

The airport project originally received Environmental Authorisation in October last year, following an extensive environmental impact assessment and public participation process. According to the project team, approximately 1,500 Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) were registered during the process and were afforded opportunities to submit comments and participate in consultations. Following the approval, six appeals were submitted. One appeal was later withdrawn, leaving five for consideration by the Minister. All five remaining appeals have now been dismissed.

Located near Durbanville, northeast of Cape Town, Cape Winelands Airport is planned as a major privately funded aviation development aimed at expanding air travel capacity in the Western Cape. The existing airfield, formerly known as Fisantekraal Airfield, has long served the general aviation community, including flight training operations and recreational flying. The development plans envision transforming the site into a modern regional airport capable of accommodating both domestic and international commercial operations.

Current proposals include a new passenger terminal, extended runways, upgraded aviation infrastructure, cargo facilities, business aviation services and improved transport connectivity to the Cape Town metropolitan area and surrounding winelands region. Developers have previously indicated that the airport could eventually handle millions of passengers annually while also creating significant employment and economic opportunities for the region.

The outcome of the appeals process provides renewed momentum for one of South Africa’s most closely watched aviation infrastructure developments. While the appeals process delayed the project’s original timeline, developers say the ruling now provides the certainty needed to continue with detailed planning and construction readiness activities.

Work is currently underway alongside Boogertman + Partners, newly appointed as lead architects, professional consultants and contractors to finalise detailed designs and execution plans for the airport’s development. The project team has indicated that construction is still targeted to begin toward the end of 2026 or in the early part of next year.

The development of Cape Winelands Airport is expected to play a significant role in strengthening aviation capacity in the Western Cape, while also supporting tourism, business travel and regional economic growth. With Cape Town International Airport already operating as one of Africa’s busiest airports, the new development could provide additional capacity and operational flexibility for the region’s growing aviation sector.

With the final environmental appeals now resolved, the project moves one step closer to reshaping the future aviation landscape of the Western Cape.