The Cape Winelands Airport faces a last administrative hurdle earlier than building can start, with 5 excellent appeals from neighbouring landowners awaiting a call from Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Native Authorities, Environmental Affairs and Improvement Planning.
The airport only in the near past secured environmental authorisation in October 2025 after an intensive Environmental Influence Evaluation (EIA).
Builders had aimed for a late-2026 begin to building, however the timeline now hinges on the minister’s ruling on the appeals.
Cape Winelands Airport has another hurdle to leap
Deon Cloete, MD of the airport, stated the challenge underwent important design adjustments throughout the EIA section, addressing objections from close by poultry operations.
“Of the 1 500-odd and affected events, six determined to attraction. It’s at the moment with the Minister to contemplate these appeals. We count on, solely by the tip of this month, to have a last end result from the Minister. They need the airport however they don’t need the airport proper there,” Cloete stated, as per Journey Information.
Some stakeholders known as for flight operations throughout building, however builders stated it will be unsafe.
Planning paperwork additionally famous potential noise impacts on close by residential areas corresponding to Greenville Backyard Metropolis.
RSA Aero responds
Deidre Davids, spokesperson for RSA Aero, advised Journey Information that Improvement Administration: Area 1 really useful the 5 appeals be dismissed.
“This advice is encouraging and we stay firmly dedicated to pursuing accountable and sustainable growth,” Davids stated.
She added that the issues raised throughout the appeals course of have been largely a repeat of what had been raised beforehand through the EIA course of.
“There are a number of mitigation measures to deal with the influence. By means of an instance, because it pertains to noise, the airport will institute a noise monitoring committee to intently monitor noise impacts and contemplate whether or not any extra measures are required.” Davids said.
On monitor for 2028 opening
“The corporate has taken each technical concern severely, from noise modelling to aviation security and transport planning, and every has been addressed by detailed, specialist-led research and that is why authorisation was granted in October final yr,” Davids added.
Davids went on so as to add that they’re nonetheless aiming to open in 2028 and are on monitor with that timeline.
The airport is anticipated to offer a regional aviation hub whereas adhering to strict environmental and security requirements.
