Pietermaritzburg Airport expansion plan: Strong support from local stakeholders
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THE Msunduzi Municipality has outlined ambitious plans to transform the Pietermaritzburg Airport into a regional hub that will boost local investment, tourism, and infrastructure growth.
The airport is exploring additional flights in and out of the City, including to Cape Town and Gqeberha.
The municipality said research conducted as part of its plans to expand the airport's operations and capacity, confirmed that there is demand for flights from the airport to these destinations. Currently, the airport handles four scheduled arrivals and departures daily, alongside charter and training flights from two flight schools.
Msunduzi mayor Mzimkhulu Thebolla said: 'A research study has been conducted on two possible routes, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, for possible expansion. What we can say is that these have been assessed, and it has been found that there is a need.'
'This will be the airport of choice for activities including business people who want to get in and out without problems or traffic,' said the mayor.
In a statement, the municipality revealed that the first draft of the revised Airport Master Plan has been completed, outlining a structured roadmap for short, medium, and long-term development. Among the improvements it intends to make are:
◆ Attraction of a second airline to improve route diversity and affordability.
◆ Terminal upgrades, including expanded office and retail spaces, modernised baggage collection systems, and digital check-in enhancements.
◆ Development of adjacent land for commercial use, including a proposed hotel, conference centre, and retail area designed to promote an aerotropolis model.
◆ Apron expansion to accommodate increased aircraft traffic.
◆ Establishment of a cargo terminal, including an agro-cargo facility and dry port to serve surrounding industrial areas like Mkondeni.
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The City stated that these initiatives will enable the airport to become a modern, high-capacity facility that offers an enhanced passenger experience while supporting commercial and cargo operations.
'A comprehensive study conducted by the airport has confirmed significant untapped demand, which includes low-cost travel options for broader market access.
'Improved connectivity for local businesses and government travellers, who currently rely on distant airports like King Shaka, is also a priority. Additionally, there will be increased accessibility for tourists visiting the Midlands Meander and Drakensberg,' said the statement.
The city is actively supporting route development by offering incentive programmes to attract new airlines and routes, including landing fee discounts, providing marketing support through municipal platforms to promote new routes, and participating in route development conferences to engage directly with airline planners.
'The expansion of Pietermaritzburg Airport stands to deliver widespread socio-economic benefits, including improved regional connectivity, increased tourism and business travel, job creation through construction, airport operations, hospitality, and retail,' the statement said.
UMngeni Municipality Mayor Chris Pappas remarked that boosting the capacity of Pietermaritzburg Airport could prove to be a key catalyst for the economic growth of Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands area.
'Establishing a regional airport with greater capacity would bring significant benefits to the area. It would enable larger aircraft to land, increasing the number of visitors and expanding destination options, both of which would boost business and tourism.
Melanie Veness, the CEO of the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands Chamber of Business (PMCB), stated that additional routes from Pietermaritzburg Airport will facilitate trade.
'New routes mean greater access to our market for business and tourism, and if the route is successful, it will translate into economic growth.'
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