Business
Inside O.R. Tambo’s R14.5 billion upgrade and what it means for travellers
A quieter transformation is unfolding at O.R. Tambo
If you have passed through O.R. Tambo International Airport recently, you may have noticed subtle changes rather than flashy new terminals. Fresh floors underfoot. Clearer signs pointing the way. Escalators that actually work.
These are not cosmetic touch-ups. They are early signs of a massive R14.5 billion capital expansion that aims to modernise South Africa’s busiest airport and prepare it for decades of growth ahead.
The five-year investment, which kicked off in December 2024, is focused on fixing ageing infrastructure while making everyday travel smoother for the more than 21 million passengers who move through the airport each year.
Fixing the things travellers complain about most
For years, frequent flyers have been vocal about certain pain points at O.R. Tambo. Broken people movers. Tired-looking waiting areas. Ablutions that did not reflect a global gateway.
Airport management says this feedback has shaped the current phase of upgrades. High-traffic passenger areas are getting priority attention, with refurbishments that are already visible.
Old carpets at international boarding gates are being replaced with durable tiling for a cleaner, more modern feel. Seating has been upgraded to more ergonomic designs. Wayfinding signage has been improved, so navigating the terminal feels less like a guessing game.
One of the most talked about changes is the complete refurbishment of terminal bathrooms. New, premium ablution facilities are already open in Domestic Arrivals and near Central Security in Domestic Departures, with finishes designed around hygiene, durability, and comfort.
Phase one of this project runs until March 2026 and will modernise 90 individual toilets. A much larger second phase, covering 780 toilets, is scheduled to begin in July 2026, with careful planning promised to limit disruption.
Why this upgrade matters beyond appearances
While passengers see the surface-level improvements, a large part of the R14.5 billion programme is happening behind the scenes.
A major focus is on strengthening the airport’s ability to operate reliably, even when things go wrong. This includes replacing backup power generators and rolling out new uninterrupted power supply units at critical points across the terminal.
Jet fuel infrastructure is also getting a serious upgrade. A new 20-inch jet fuel feeder line and the first phase of fuel redundancy are being installed to reduce the risk of supply disruptions that can ripple through flight schedules.
Passenger loading bridges are being refurbished or replaced at multiple gates, with structural repairs, upgraded control systems, and new canopy covers. Long-standing issues with escalators and lifts are being tackled through a wide-ranging replacement programme that runs until 2027.
Aviation safety has not been overlooked. Instrument Landing Systems and Automated Weather Observation Systems are being replaced, alongside upgrades to HVAC systems, roof waterproofing, sprinklers, and fuel and fire infrastructure.
Delays, diplomacy and getting back on track
Construction did slow briefly during the festive peak travel period and the recent G20 Leaders’ Summit, when keeping the airport flowing smoothly took priority. Work has since returned to full capacity, with teams spread across the terminal.
Airport leadership has acknowledged that construction inside a live airport is never easy. The message to travellers has been consistent. Patience now is meant to pay off in the long run.
A gateway that has to keep up with South Africa
O.R. Tambo remains the largest airport on the African continent and a critical entry point into South Africa. Its iconic central terminal handles both domestic and international flights, with extensive retail, dining, and duty-free spaces that form many visitors’ first impression of the country.
In a city that prides itself on being Africa’s business hub, the pressure is on for the airport to match global standards. Social media chatter around the upgrades has been cautiously optimistic, with travellers welcoming working escalators and cleaner facilities while keeping a close eye on whether momentum is maintained.
This expansion is not about reinventing O.R. Tambo overnight. It is about fixing what matters, future-proofing vital systems, and slowly restoring confidence that the airport can move people efficiently, comfortably, and reliably.
Also read: First Tesla Cybertruck photographed in South Africa at OR Tambo Airport
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Source: Business Tech
Featured Image: TripSavvy
