Police discovered the haul when they did a random stop and search of passengers and luggage at the airport.
The drugs were found in a suitcase allegedly belonging to the woman, who was on a flight from Kenya.
Police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk explains: “One of the frequently conducted stop-and-search operations by the South African Police Service yielded success on Wednesday at about 3pm when airport police cooperated with authorities responsible for luggage searching at the Cape Town International Airport.
“The vigilance of both parties involved in the operation led to the arrest of a 43-year-old woman after 180 bundles of khat were discovered in her possession as she had just disembarked off a flight from Kenya.
“She is due to make a court appearance at the Bellville Magistrates’ Court to face charges of possession of and dealing in drugs, once she has been charged.”
Van Wyk says the value of the drugs was still being calculated.