Cape Town International Airport is one step closer to being ready to welcome the world to the shores of the Mother City with the opening of the new central terminal building.

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A panoramic view of the main terminal. Photo: ACSA.

At an estimated cost of R1,6-billion, the five storey building now combines the check-in process for both International and Domestic passengers – as apposed to two different ones in the past. With 120 check-in counters, 20 self service check-in machines and a consolidated security screening point, the CTB covers an area of 50 000m and significantly enhances the airport’s capacity.

“ Over the past few months the airport team has been working very hard to ensure a smooth transition from the old terminal to the new one. It has taken much collaboration between Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the airlines, the government agencies, retailers and the entire value chain – as an airport community, we are extremely proud of the new terminal”, says Deidre Hendricks, Communications Manager, ACSA: Cape Town International Airport (CTIA).

Not only has the check-in facilities been enhanced, but the retail facility has almost doubled, moving from 44 retailers and restaurants to 74 in total. Brands such as Ocean Basket, Woolworths, Steers, and a Spur of 1000 m2 with seating up to 500 people (the biggest in the Western Cape, to the airport) can now be found at the airport.

The CTB boasts a new R103-million baggage sortation system that operates 3000 bags per hour and is fully automated as well as additional passenger loading bridges – a first for Domestic users.

To facilitate vehicular movement at the airport, the road network is also undergoing an upgrade. The new drop off road is now situated right in front of the terminal building. The entire road network project will be completed in March 2010 at a cost of R120 million.

“On hand to assist our passengers as they orientate themselves are a host of ACSA employees and 80 temporary staff which have been employed especially for this. We know that the changes may disorientate airport users – this is why we have gone out of our way to assist airport users. It’s been a rather busy morning for everyone – both passengers and airport staff as we all become accustomed to the new processes”,  says Hendricks.

“Airport users are asked to play their part and to please add an extra 30 minutes onto their travel time. The airport has changed and it is important that you give yourself sufficient time to move through all the process”.

This does not mark the end of construction at the airport and the next few months will still be full of activity. Other projects to be completed in March 2010:

• Consolidated car rental facility;
•  Transport plaza
•  Multi-storey parkade
•  Aircraft parking standsPopular retail outlets and shops, a food court, and a public viewing deck from which families can watch aircraft land and take off.

Photos and info courtesy of ACSA