OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) is making strong progress on its R14,5-billion five-year capital expenditure (capex) programme to modernises key infrastructure, boost operational reliability, and deliver a world-class experience for travellers.
The current phase targets high-impact passenger areas, including refurbished escalators and travelators, new ergonomic seating, enhanced wayfinding signage, and durable tiling replacing carpets at all international boarding gates for a cleaner, contemporary look.
Responding directly to passenger feedback, ORTIA is accelerating a full refurbishment of terminal ablution facilities, says Jabu Khambule, regional GM at ORTIA.
Work resumed at full capacity after a brief pause for the G20 Leaders’ Summit and festive peak. State-of-the-art ablution facilities are now operational on the ground floor (domestic arrivals) and the domestic departures (near central security).
Phase 1 of the ablution’s refurbishment project commenced on 1 June 2025 and will be completed at the end of March 2026.
“When phase 1 is completed, 90 individual toilets will have been modernised,” says Khambule. “Phase 2, which focuses on 780 individual toilets, will commence in July 2026. Our planning will ensure minimal inconvenience to our valued passengers.”