Mzansi’s new international airport: A travel vlogger’s ticket to the world!
South Africa’s new international airport in Cape Winelands is your passport to cheaper flights, richer cultures, and a world of opportunity.
South Africa is getting a brand new international airport in the Cape Winelands, set to open by 2028.
For travel fanatics, this isn’t just another runway – it’s a golden opportunity to explore the globe more easily, affordably, and sustainably than ever before.
Why this airport is a big deal for travel vloggers
Imagine cheaper flights, more direct routes, and less congestion at Cape Town International.
The R7.7 billion Cape Winelands Airport will be Africa’s first digital, eco-friendly hub, designed to handle 1.7 million passengers annually by 2028.
It’s also just 25 km from Cape Town, making it a breeze for locals in the northern and eastern suburbs to jet off without the usual city traffic hassle.
For the average South African, this means:
- More affordable air travel: Reduced operational costs for airlines could translate to lower ticket prices, putting dream destinations within reach.
- Global connections: Expect new international routes, opening doors to Asia, Europe, and the Americas without the usual layovers.
- Local economic boost: Over 58 000 new jobs by 2050, injecting R7.7 billion into the Western Cape’s economy, meaning more money circulating in your favourite local spots.
A cultural melting pot at your doorstep
Airports are more than transit points they’re gateways to the world’s flavours, fashions, and traditions. Here’s how the new airport will enrich South African life:
- Food: Picture duty-free aisles brimming with global delicacies, pop-up restaurants serving everything from Japanese ramen to Ethiopian injera, and local wine bars showcasing the Cape’s best vintages.
- Fashion: Boutique shops will blend African prints with international trends, turning the terminal into a runway of its own.
- Community: Expect vibrant markets, live music, and art installations celebrating both local heritage and global influences.
- Tradition: Festivals, workshops, and cultural exchanges will make the airport a hub for storytelling and connection.
As Deon Cloete, the airport’s managing director, puts it: “An airport campus is diverse—from security to restaurants, the potential for jobs and cultural exchange is immense”.
The Cape Winelands Airport shapes South Africa’s future
This international isn’t just about travel, it’s about uniting cultures and fueling progress. The new international airport will:
- Ease pressure on Cape Town International, which is already bursting at the seams with record passenger numbers.
- Boost tourism, drawing more visitors to the Winelands, Table Mountain, and beyond, and creating opportunities for local guides, chefs, and artisans.
- Strengthen trade, with expanded cargo facilities making it easier to export South African wine, fruit, and crafts worldwide.
With sustainable design, including Africa’s first digital control tower and off-grid water and electricity, the Cape Winelands Airport is setting a new standard for responsible, inclusive travel.
Three ways to make the most of the new international airport
- Plan your next adventure: Keep an eye on new route announcements – your bucket list just got shorter.
- Support local: Shop for South African-made goods in the terminal’s boutique stores.
- Be part of the story: Attend public events and cultural festivals hosted at the airport, where global and local traditions collide.
Happy flying…soon