Cape Winelands Airport's big plans: Premier diversion hub, doubling tourist numbers - Nick Ferguson

There is a buzz in Cape Town about the development of the new Cape Winelands Airport near Durbanville with the City Council throwing its weight behind the development. The site for the new Cape Winelands Airport t near Durbanville in the Cape has an interesting history as it was chosen and built by the Allied Forces during WWII. After it was required in 2020, the consortium of private owners set out to expand the airport to turn it into a transport hub and springboard for tourism in the region. According to an interview with Biznews, the Director of the Cape Winelands Airport Nick Ferguson said they were a step closer to reality with the first phase of the consultation process completed. The Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) has objected to the development. The airport is set to launch its first flights in early 2027, ultimately offering a unique airport experience that includes wine tasting, a vineyard, and an outdoor amphitheatre. He also shared their strategy to initially position Winelands Airport as a cost-effective alternative destination for airlines who are currently burdened with carrying extra fuel when flying to Cape Town because their nearest diversion destination is O.R Tambo, located 2 hours north. This move not only promises financial benefits to airlines but also a significant reduction in carbon emissions. This strategic shift could potentially earn Winelands Airport the title of the World’s Greenest Airport.