O.R. Tambo International Airport is advancing steadily with its R14.5 billion capital expansion programme, aimed at improving infrastructure and enhancing passenger experience.
According to businesstech, the expansion is aimed at modernising South Africa’s busiest airport and future-proofing it for continued growth.
The five-year investment, which began in December 2024, focuses on upgrading ageing infrastructure, improving operational reliability, and delivering a smoother, more comfortable experience for millions of passengers who pass through the airport each year.
Much of the current work is concentrated in high-traffic passenger areas, where visible improvements are already taking shape.
These include the refurbishment and replacement of escalators and travelators, the installation of new ergonomic seating, clearer wayfinding signage, and the replacement of carpets with durable tiling at international boarding gates to create a cleaner, more contemporary look.
According to Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), these upgrades are designed not only to enhance aesthetics but also to reduce maintenance challenges and improve long-term efficiency.
A major focus of the programme has been the refurbishment of terminal ablution facilities, an issue frequently raised by travellers.
O.R. Tambo International Airport Regional General Manager Jabu Khambule said the airport is responding directly to passenger feedback.
“At O.R. Tambo International Airport, we listen to our passengers. This programme directly addresses their expectations for facility standards, delivering infrastructure that meets global benchmarks,” he said.
Construction activity briefly slowed during the festive peak period and the G20 Leaders’ Summit, but has since resumed at full capacity.
New, state-of-the-art ablution facilities are already operational on the ground floor of the Domestic Arrivals area and near Central Security in Domestic Departures.
These facilities feature premium finishes designed to prioritise hygiene, durability and passenger comfort.
Phase 1 of the ablution refurbishment project began on 1 June 2025 and is scheduled for completion at the end of March 2026.
Once completed, 90 individual toilets will have been fully modernised. “Phase 2, which focuses on 780 individual toilets, will commence in July 2026. Our planning will ensure minimal inconvenience to our valued passengers,” Khambule said.
What to expect
Beyond passenger-facing upgrades, the airport is undertaking a wide-ranging infrastructure overhaul to strengthen operational resilience and ensure uninterrupted service.
Another important part of the project involves jet fuel infrastructure, including installing a new 20-inch jet fuel feeder line and implementing the first phase of jet fuel redundancy.
These upgrades are intended to improve supply reliability and continuity, reducing the risk of operational disruptions.
The airport is also replacing backup power generators to safeguard critical systems during power interruptions.
Passenger loading bridges are being refurbished or replaced at multiple sites, with work covering structural repairs, upgraded control systems and new canopy covers.
A phased replacement of uninterrupted power supply units is underway at critical touchpoints across the terminal, which is also expected to be completed sometime this year.
Long-standing issues with people movers are also being addressed through an extensive programme to replace and refurbish escalators and lifts.
Several new escalators have already been installed, and the broader programme is expected to conclude in 2027.
Aviation safety systems are receiving attention with the replacement of Instrument Landing Systems and Automated Weather Observation Systems.
Additional work includes HVAC upgrades, terminal roof waterproofing, sprinkler system replacements, and extensive fuel and fire infrastructure refurbishments, including hydrants, booster pumps, and fuel receipt meters.
O.R. Tambo International Airport remains the largest airport on the African continent and a vital gateway into South Africa, handling more than 21 million passengers annually.
Its iconic central terminal building integrates domestic and international operations and features 75 check-in counters, 33 lifts, 34 escalators and two 90-metre-long baggage carousels, alongside extensive retail, dining and duty-free offerings.
Khambule said the airport appreciates passengers’ patience during construction. “We are working towards an airport that moves people efficiently while delivering comfort and excellence,” he said.
