Cape Town International Airport's New Departure Hall Open

Posted Mon, 9 Nov 2009 (2 years ago)

I’ve had cause to spend an inordinate amount of time at Cape Town International Airport over the past few weeks and have been increasingly fed up with the current facilities and excited to experience the new terminal.

Finally, the Departure Section of the brand spanking new R1.6 billion Central Terminal Building, Terminal 2010, opened to the public this past weekend.

I was at the existing International Terminal at midnight on Friday and the excitement among staff and workers was palpable. Stores were already cleared out, that giant bubble wrap machine was being shunted across to the new terminal by a group of sweaty but cheerful men and the whole place definitely had a tired and ready for retirement look and feel.

While I won’t be back at Cape Town International until this coming Friday, reports from those who have already experienced the new facilities over the weekend are largely glowing.

Much-touted are the excellent retail stores and banking mall (ground level) and multiple-option food outlets (mezzanine level) which will make a visit to the airport much more pleasurable for those flying as well as those meeting and greeting. A viewing deck will allow visitors to enjoy the sight of planes landing and taking off – an integral part of an airport visit for many.

For travellers departing Cape Town, the check in area on the second level boast 120 check-in counters, 20 self-service check-in machines, eight air bridges, 11 bus gates and an automated baggage-sorting system should make the entire process less stressful and more streamlined. Security of luggage and travellers is also of premium importance.

So when can we expect the new Arrivals Hall to be opened? According to official reports, March 2010 is the scheduled month for this next phase of the Terminal 2010 launch.

Currently those meeting travellers will still do so in the old part of the airport at the regular Arrivals Hall.

A transport plaza, connecting to the City of Cape Town's integrated rapid transit network, will soon be available for passengers needing to catch a taxi or bus to and from the airport.

You can check out a slide show of photographs of the new Cape Town International Terminal 2010 on the Cape Talk website and read more about it on the ACSA website.

1 Response to Cape Town International Airport's New Departure Hall Open

I quite like the building: its generic airport stuff,
but what gets my goat are the massive advertising boards!

It is almost impossible to see where one is supposed to drive -
the ad boards totally overpower the directional signs! Also, one actually cannot see the nice new building. The view from the approach road onto the main building is blocked. Why spend millions on an iconic building to hide it behind massive arb adverts??

It just looks tacky and desperate!

And the same when one eaves the airport -
surely a memorable first view of Devil's Peak and Table Mountain is blotted out with these massive boards.

real shame!

I have sent a suggestion to the airport!

Hope they clear out all the boards and put them somewhere else less intrusive.

By peter (2 years ago)