The Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) has embarked on a plan to build a R90-million multistorey parkade at Durban International airport (DIA) to increase the current capacity to 2 950 bays. The project will be completed in July next year, Acsa said in a statement on Thursday.
Acsa believes that the three-storey facility is not only about increasing bays, but also about creating a facility that will allow for increased efficiencies and service in the public car park.
On Wednesday, Acsa held a sod-turning ceremony that was attended by KwaZulu-Natal minister of economic affairs Zweli Mkhezi, eThekwini municipality mayor Obed Mlaba and deputy mayor Logie Naidoo, as well as Acsa CEO Monhla Hlahla and other executives.
The DIA is currently experiencing annual growth of about 16% and should reach a milestone of 3,5-million passengers a year by the end of this financial year.
This positive growth, as much as it contributes positively to the economic growth of the city, places the airport infrastructure under tremendous strain. The introduction of the low-cost carrier concept and the increase of airline schedules have taken off dramatically. Though positive for the airports, they do have a major impact on the airport infrastructure, facilities and services, Acsa said.
“Acsa is aware that this project will test its ability to manage the situation and the challenges that come with such a project. For that reason the Acsa team at Durban has been very proactive and has developed a robust operations plan that will attempt to minimise the congestion, confusion and inconvenience to airport users before, during and after the construction,” it said. The project will be constructed in a phased manner.
“Although all steps are being taken to ensure that inconvenience to the airport users is minimised, we cannot over-stress the fact that there will be disruptions that cannot be avoided during a project of this magnitude,” Acsa said. — I-Net Bridge