A new general aviation facility aimed at addressing growing demand for aircraft infrastructure in South Africa’s Western Cape is scheduled to open in September 2026, developers have announced.
Atlantic Aerodrome, located in the Swartland region about 40 minutes from Cape Town, is being developed as a dedicated aviation hub for private aircraft owners, charter operators, flight schools and aviation-related businesses.
The project is expected to help ease pressure on existing aviation facilities in the Western Cape, where demand for hangar space and operational support services has continued to exceed available capacity.
The aerodrome will provide a range of hangar options, with facilities ranging in size from 225 square metres to 1,800 square metres. The infrastructure is designed to accommodate individual aircraft owners as well as commercial operators managing multiple aircraft.
According to the developers, the facility will offer secure hangarage supported by biometric access systems, direct airside access and operational services tailored to the needs of aviation users.
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Aircraft owners and operators will also have access to refuelling, cleaning and ground-handling services, while a fixed-base operator (FBO) will provide short-term hangarage and support for visiting aircraft.
The development forms part of broader efforts to strengthen aviation infrastructure in the Western Cape, a region that has experienced increasing activity in tourism, business aviation and pilot training.
Atlantic Aerodrome will offer a range of aviation support services, including fuel supply, maintenance partnerships and flight training facilities.
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The facility plans to stock Mogas, Avgas 100LL and Jet A-1 fuel, serving a wide variety of aircraft types operating within the region.
A Flight Training Organisation (FTO) will also be based at the aerodrome, offering training programmes for private pilots, commercial pilots and instrument-rated aviators.
The airfield will initially feature an 884-metre grooved asphalt runway designed to accommodate general aviation traffic. Developers have indicated that the runway could be extended to 1,524 metres in a future phase, subject to market demand and operational requirements.
Additional infrastructure will include LED runway lighting to support 24-hour operations, while a planned Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) instrument approach is expected to improve accessibility and operational reliability in varying weather conditions.
The developers said the aerodrome has been designed in accordance with applicable standards set out by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and South Africa’s Civil Aviation Authority.
Construction will be carried out in phases, with the first stage including hangars, fixed-base operator services, a clubhouse and guest accommodation for pilots and visitors.
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Future phases could incorporate expanded aviation facilities, helicopter operations infrastructure and the planned runway extension as demand grows.
Shane Harrison, founder of Atlantic Aerodrome, said the project is intended to create a dedicated aviation community while addressing infrastructure shortages facing aircraft owners and operators in the region.
He said the facility would provide secure and affordable hangar space, professional support services and an environment designed to improve the overall aviation experience.
Industry observers say the development reflects continued investment in South Africa’s general aviation sector, which plays an important role in pilot training, tourism, business travel and regional connectivity.
The opening of Atlantic Aerodrome is expected to provide new opportunities for aviation businesses while supporting the long-term growth of general aviation activities in the Western Cape.
