South Africa’s ambitious plan to build a second international gateway for Cape Town has gained a major academic partner as Cape Winelands Airport and Stellenbosch University join forces on the airport’s R8 billion ($493 million) expansion project.

The collaboration links one of Africa’s leading research institutions with one of the continent’s most closely watched aviation infrastructure developments, positioning the Western Cape as an emerging hub for aerospace innovation, logistics and advanced manufacturing.

University partnership targets innovation and skills development

The agreement covers a broad range of sectors including agriculture and food processing, spatial planning, transport and logistics, engineering, as well as space and aviation research.

The partnership aims to align academic research with industry expertise and infrastructure development while creating practical learning opportunities for students through applied research projects tied directly to the airport’s construction and operational environment.

Engineering collaboration is expected to become a cornerstone of the relationship, opening pathways for technical cooperation in airport infrastructure, aviation operations and future mobility solutions.

Expansion could create 35,000 jobs

Cape Winelands Airport estimates that the development could support approximately 35,000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction and expansion phases.

“It is anticipated that the airport expansion will transform the airport into a significant economic hub over the coming years,” the partners said in a joint statement.

According to Prof. Deresh Ramjugernath, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, the project has the potential to unlock economic growth, accelerate emerging industries and strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem.

“The airport expansion presents a unique long-term opportunity to connect academia and industry in a way that creates meaningful economic and educational impact,” said Deon Cloete, Managing Director for Cape Winelands Airport.

Cape Town’s second international airport takes shape

Formerly known as the Fisantekraal Airfield, Cape Winelands Airport is being transformed into Cape Town’s second international airport, located about 13 kilometres northeast of Durbanville.

The redevelopment includes a 3.5-kilometre runway, advanced cargo facilities and commercial real estate developments. Commercial flights are expected to begin by 2028, while passenger volumes could reach five million annually by 2050.

Backed by RSA.aero and JSE-listed Growthpoint Properties, the project holds Strategic Integrated Project 17 status and aims to become one of the world’s greenest airports.

Stellenbosch University’s role

Founded in 1918, Stellenbosch University is one of Africa’s leading research-intensive institutions and has played a prominent role in technological innovation on the continent.

The university is internationally recognised for developing Africa’s first microsatellite, SUNSAT, and operates across five campuses including Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, Bellville Park, Saldanha and Worcester.

Its involvement in the airport project is expected to strengthen research capabilities in aviation, logistics, engineering and aerospace technologies while helping develop the next generation of skilled professionals for Africa’s rapidly expanding aviation sector.