A POPULAR winter holiday hotspot has plans to open a brand new £300million international airport by 2027.
Cape Town in South Africa is seen as an ideal place to get some off-season sun for Brits, with temperatures averaging highs of around 27C between November and January.
It’s also a popular spot because it’s almost in the same time zone as the UK, with just one hour difference between the two places, meaning jet lag isn’t a problem, despite the long-haul flight.
Now, the city is aiming to increase its capacity for tourists, by opening a new international airport in the next three years.
Cape Winelands Airport will be constructed on the airfield of the same name, situated not far northeast of Durbanville.
Currently, the facility is used as a general aviation facility and is mainly used for both private and corporate aircraft, as well as for flying lessons.
It has been chosen as the location for the new airport because of its “strategic location” which “makes it a vital asset for the region, poised to contribute significantly to the local economy”.
Plans are in place for a huge £300million upgrade and expansion project on the airfield that bosses hope will serve a growing demand for tourism.
The project includes practical work, including the realignment and widening of the airport runway so it can accommodate wide-body commercial jets.
Elsewhere, plans are also in place for the terminal, which is described as a “boutique” terminal in the airport’s plans.
It will be fitted with “the latest technology” to provide “modern solutions for check-in, baggage handling and security”.
The building will also be surrounded by vineyards, so visitors are immediately immersed in the city’s “winelands” as soon as they exit the building.
Additional features will include a public plaza, a hotel, an aviation museum, conference centres, wine tasting experiences and an outdoor amphitheatre, which will hold as many as 5,000 people.
Once it opens, the airport hopes to be able to handle 1.7million passengers altogether.
That number will grow to 2million travellers by 2030, and then up to 3.8million people by 2040.
By 2050, the airport hopes to be dealing with 5million people altogether, including 2million international passengers and 3million domestic.
Deon Cloete, Managing Director of Cape Winelands Airport, said that it would both increase tourism in the area and make a positive impact on the local economy.
He said: “We are thrilled to introduce this our airport expansion to the Cape Winelands region.
“This facility represents a commitment to providing world class transportation options, promoting tourism, and stimulating economic growth in our beautiful region.
“Airports world-wide are known to have a positive impact on the socio-economic conditions of the regions which they serve. This airport will be no different.”
Last year, Cape Town was named the best value holiday destination for Brits.
And the Sun’s Jill Starley-Grainger reveals seven reasons why you should visit Cape Town.
Here are the best tips for dodging jet lag when flying long-haul
Avoid coffee
Drinking coffee is not a good idea because it can have a diuretic effect, so it makes you wee a lot which can contribute to dehydration.
It can also play havoc with your body clock by delaying the increase in melatonin – which is the exact opposite of what you want.
It’s dehydrating and can disturb natural sleep cycles.
Avoid alcohol
Similar to coffee, booze can make you dehydrated and interrupt your sleep patterns.
Instead of alcohol, passengers should drink nothing but water for the 24 hours before their flight.
Exercise at the airport
Walking around the airport as much as possible is a good idea if you have a night flight.
It can help tire you out and mean you sleep more easily in the cramped and often uncomfortable plane seats.
Switch to your destination’s time a day before you fly
If your body clock is already in tune with the time zone at your destination, you will find it easier to adapt once you land.
Change your sleep and meal times a day or two before your flight if possible.
Avoid naps on arrival
If you land in the morning or day time, wait until it’s bed time at your destination before going to sleep.
A nap may be tempting, but it will keep you out of sync with your new timezone and make it hard for you to get acclimatised.
Meanwhile, this airport in the UK is set to fly millions more passengers every year.
And this European airport has revealed plans for a £12m expansion.
