Cape Winelands Airport: R8 Billion Development Just 13km from Zonnezicht to Transform Durbanville Property Values

A game-changing development is taking shape just 13 kilometres from Durbanville. Cape Winelands Airport, a privately-funded R8 billion international aviation hub, is set to begin construction in 2026 and welcome its first passengers by 2028. For property owners in the Northern Suburbs, and particularly for retirees considering Zonnezicht Retirement Village, this represents one of the most significant investment opportunities in decades.

What Is Cape Winelands Airport?

Located on the former Fisantekraal airfield site between Durbanville and Paarl, Cape Winelands Airport is being transformed from a small general aviation facility into a full-scale international airport. The development is backed by South Africa's largest property group, Growthpoint Properties, who joined as investment and development partner in October 2025.

Phase 1 alone represents an R8 billion investment, with the total precinct development expected to reach R16-20 billion. This makes it one of the largest private infrastructure investments in the Western Cape's history.

The Numbers Behind the Development

The airport's specifications are impressive. A 3.5-kilometre runway designed for wide-body aircraft will serve both domestic and international flights. The passenger terminal will have capacity for 5.2 million passengers annually by 2050, handling an estimated two million international tourists and three million domestic travellers. An additional 110,000 tons of annual air-cargo capacity will boost trade and logistics in the region.

The development will create approximately 35,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction, growing to over 100,000 jobs over the first 20 years of operation. The 450-hectare aviation precinct will include logistics facilities, commercial space, retail, offices, hotels, and hospitality venues.

Timeline: What to Expect and When

The airport received crucial Environmental Authorisation from the Western Cape Government in November 2025. Construction contractor WBHO, South Africa's largest construction company, was selected in December 2025. With statutory processes expected to conclude by March 2026, construction is planned to begin in early 2026, with commissioning targeted for early 2028.

Why This Matters for Durbanville Property

Airports are proven drivers of property values. Enhanced accessibility and the convenience of a nearby international airport make surrounding areas significantly more attractive to investors, homeowners, and visitors. As demand rises, property values in the vicinity are expected to increase substantially.

For Durbanville residents, the airport offers a significant advantage: it will cut 30-45 minutes off travel to the airport compared to Cape Town International. This convenience is particularly valuable for retirees who travel frequently to visit family, welcome grandchildren, or explore the world.

The Green Airport Advantage

Cape Winelands Airport aims to become the greenest airport in the world, operating largely on renewable energy and water reuse systems. By working in tandem with Cape Town International, the new airport will save airlines 22 million litres of fuel annually, removing approximately 60 million kilograms of carbon emissions each year. For environmentally conscious retirees, this sustainable approach aligns with modern values.

Zonnezicht: Perfectly Positioned for the Future

Zonnezicht Retirement Village sits in the heart of Durbanville, ideally positioned to benefit from this transformative development. At just 13 kilometres from the new airport, residents will enjoy quick, convenient access to domestic and international flights without the long drive to Cape Town International.

From an investment perspective, securing a home in Zonnezicht now, before the airport opens in 2028, positions buyers to benefit from the anticipated property value increases. Phase 4 of Zonnezicht currently offers brand-new luxury retirement apartments at pre-launch pricing with discounts of up to R400,000, an opportunity that may not last as awareness of the airport's impact grows.

Beyond investment potential, Zonnezicht offers everything retirees need: Phases 1-3 are fully operational with a gym, salon, clubhouse, dining hall, frail-care centre, lush gardens, and walking loops. The village combines the tranquility of retirement living with the excitement of being part of one of the Western Cape's most dynamic growth corridors.

A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity

Major infrastructure projects of this scale come along rarely. Cape Winelands Airport is set to transform the economic landscape of Durbanville and the broader Northern Suburbs. For retirees seeking a combination of lifestyle, convenience, and smart investment, the timing could not be better to secure a position at Zonnezicht.

Discover why Zonnezicht is perfectly positioned for the future. Contact Hannelie for a personal tour: 082 573 7676 | hannelie@houseofrealtors.co.za | www.zonnezicht.com

For more information about Cape Winelands Airport, visit capewinelands.aero