Big changes coming to South Africa’s only private international airport

According to CEO Rampa Rammopo, the Gauteng-based airport is laying the groundwork for significant upgrades to expand capacity, boost services, and position Lanseria as a major regional player.

Currently the fourth largest airport in South Africa by passenger numbers, Lanseria handles around 1.9 million passengers annually. 

That figure is expected to grow to over four million by 2032 and six million by 2037, with a long-term target of 18 million by 2050. 

“Our vision is to be a regional airport catering mainly for the SA Development Community and the sub-Saharan region,” Rammopo said.

The airport is embarking on a sweeping infrastructure development programme to accommodate this growth. 

Key projects include expanding the terminal building and parking capacity, relocating the fuel farm and technical facilities, and upgrading core infrastructure. 

A major issue raised by travellers has been the cost of long-term parking. In response, Lanseria has invested R250 million in a three-storey parkade opposite the main terminal that will add 1,000 new bays, taking the total to 4,000. 

The development, Rammopo explained, is part of a broader effort to improve convenience and address customer feedback. 

“Our selling points, to the airlines, are the ease of access and convenience. There is a short time between the aircraft and your car, and we have a minimal retail offering,” he said.

Looking to the future, the possibility of a second runway remains on the table, with Rammopo estimating the cost at between R1 billion and R2 billion. 

Lanseria is also moving to improve its cargo capabilities. The airport is in the advanced stages of planning a fully-fledged, modern air cargo precinct that will establish Lanseria as a regional logistics hub. 

“This will be a ten-year phased project, with groundbreaking expected in the third quarter of 2025,” Rammopo said. 

He added that the initiative was born from the pandemic downturn, when passenger numbers collapsed and diversification became essential. 

“We hope this project will stimulate business activity, improve logistics and market access, and ultimately drive regional economic growth.”

A major competitor

The expansion strategy includes developing the airport’s vacant land holdings. Lanseria has around 90 hectares available for long-term lease, and the airport recently signed its first land lease agreement with Bionic Aviation. 

“They will be developing a state-of-the-art hangar and office facility here at the airport, using approximately 2,000 square metres of hardstand to realise this vision.” 

Lanseria is also undergoing a five-year hangar refurbishment programme to modernise existing facilities. 

Six hangars have been completed so far, and plans are in place for digitised processing systems, upgraded access control, and improved services across the value chain.

“This will guarantee operators’ security of tenure as well as a superior rate of return on their investments,” Rammopo said.

Another key infrastructure upgrade is the planned rehabilitation of the airport’s main taxiway, Alpha Taxiway, which was built over two decades ago. 

“This rehabilitation programme is intended to extend its life, enhance operational efficiency, and, most importantly, preserve the airport’s reputation for safety and reliability,” he explained. 

Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026 following a completed feasibility study and design phase.

In anticipation of growing air traffic, the airport is upgrading its fuel storage infrastructure. Lanseria will expand its fuel farm capacity from 1,000 cubic metres to 6,000 cubic metres to safeguard against supply disruptions. 

“This additional storage capacity will significantly reduce the risk of supply disruptions, given the structural changes in South Africa’s fuel industry,” Rammopo said. 

“It will give our operators and visitors greater confidence in our ability to meet fuel demands with both availability and efficiency.”

Rammopo noted that with a clear long-term vision, Lanseria International Airport is positioning itself as more than just an alternative to OR Tambo but a major competitor. 

Issued on BusinessTech by Malcolm Libera | https://businesstech.co.za/news/business/830171/big-changes-coming-to-south-africas-only-private-international-airport/