SA airport terminal standing by

A practice run has been held at Cape Town International Airport to ensure Terminal 2010 is ready to open this month.

South Africa is to host the World Cup next year and the opening of Terminal 2010 is just part of a huge project that is ongoing in readiness to prepare the country for the massive influx of visitors.

The new terminal saw 500 people test facilities including a baggage sorting system that was used in Terminal 5 at Heathrow, London when it sensationally failed on opening day last year.

Tests will continue this week with tours organized for staff to familiarise themselves with all the new systems being implemented in the five-storey building. Completion is set for March and will eventually include a range of shops, a food all and a public viewing deck. A transport area is planned for the main entrance for passengers and subways are being built that will connect to the Integrated Transit Network.

Project Manager, Bharat Bhika believes the terminal although similar to the one at OR Tambo International Airport would be 'nicer and with a touch of Cape Town'.