Lanseria Gears Up for Big Upgrades to Become Regional Aviation Hub

Lanseria International Airport, South Africa’s only privately owned and operated international airport, is gearing up for significant expansion and modernization to compete with major hubs like OR Tambo International Airport.

Currently handling around 1.9 million passengers annually and ranking as the country’s fourth largest airport, Lanseria aims to more than triple its throughput to over six million passengers by 2037 — with an ambitious long-term target of 18 million by 2050.

CEO Rampa Rammopo outlined a sweeping infrastructure development plan that includes expanding the terminal building and parking capacity, relocating fuel and technical facilities, and enhancing core airport infrastructure.

A notable investment is a new R250 million, three-storey parking garage adding 1,000 bays — addressing frequent customer complaints about long-term parking availability.

Future projects under consideration include a potential second runway (estimated at R1 billion to R2 billion) and a modern air cargo precinct set to establish Lanseria as a regional logistics hub. This cargo development is planned as a phased, decade-long project with groundbreaking expected in late 2025.

Lanseria is also developing its land holdings, recently signing a lease with Bionic Aviation for a state-of-the-art hangar and office complex. A five-year hangar refurbishment program is underway, modernizing existing facilities and improving security and operational efficiencies.

Other key upgrades include rehabilitating the Alpha Taxiway to enhance safety and extend its operational life, and expanding fuel storage capacity from 1,000 to 6,000 cubic meters to mitigate supply disruptions amid changes in South Africa’s fuel industry.

With these initiatives, Lanseria International Airport is positioning itself not only as an alternative to OR Tambo but as a major regional competitor — offering ease of access, convenience, and enhanced service for passengers and operators alike.