The Terminal Capacity Optimisation project at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (CDSIA), in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape, will begin on June 26, State-owned Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has announced.

This initiative is the first of several upgrades planned for the airport over the next five years.

ACSA has assured of its commitment to minimising disruptions throughout the construction period, which is expected to conclude by November 16.

All stakeholders will receive regular updates regarding the project progress and any schedule adjustments or significant changes, the entity avers.

CDSIA is a critical asset to regional economic activity in the province, supporting tourism growth and global connectivity and strengthening trade flows, ACSA points out. The airport is located near the Coega Special Economic Zone.

Many of ACSA's airports, including CDSIA, have not undergone significant infrastructure upgrades since the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The Terminal Capacity Optimisation project forms part of ACSA’s broader capital expansion programme, aimed at revitalising facilities and sustaining long-term operational efficiency across South Africa’s airport network, it explains.

A capacity analysis study conducted in 2024 identified congestion during peak periods in key areas of the terminal building, including the departures concourse, security screening, and the departures lounge.

While the full Terminal Expansion project is planned for 2030, the Terminal Capacity Optimisation project serves as a critical interim solution.

The project is aimed at improving passenger flow and comfort through increased check-in processing capacity, better circulation between check-in and security, enhanced security processing and an expanded departures lounge.

“Passengers will experience minimal disruption during the construction period. Our primary objective is the safe and seamless facilitation of all airport users. The airport team stands ready to meet the challenges ahead, poised to grow into the next decade and beyond,” says CDSIA airport manager Claudia Daniels.