The redevelopment of Pilanesberg International Airport, following a fire in 2023 that caused extensive damage to the main terminal building, has entered procurement phase.
The Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa has issued a tender seeking service providers to upgrade the airport.
The airport is a key gateway to major tourism destinations, including Pilanesberg National Park, Sun City and surrounding hospitality facilities.
Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) is supporting the redevelopment through project preparation and packaging. In February, ISA entered into an agreement with the North West provincial government to advance the project.
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson has congratulated ISA in a social media post for its work in advancing the project with estimated private-sector investment of more than R1 billion (US$60.7 million).
“Working in partnership with the North West government, we have been able to move with speed since we made this announcement in February. Once completed, this airport will serve as an international gateway to the Pilanesberg area to further increase tourism, trade and market access.”
Sun City Resort GM Brett Hoppé told Tourism Update in August that the revitalisation of Pilanesberg Airport could significantly strengthen the province’s tourism appeal. The airport could again facilitate links with the Kruger National Park and Cape Town, he added.
Eric Yip, GM of SA Magic Travel, said Sun City remains a popular destination for Chinese tourists and is often included in itineraries alongside Pilanesberg National Park for safari experiences.
However, Yip believes the airport’s redevelopment is unlikely to have a major impact on Chinese group tourism as most Chinese tour groups travel by road from Johannesburg to Sun City and surrounding safari lodges.
“Road transport remains more practical and cost-effective for large groups. Improved air access could benefit VIPs, luxury travellers and smaller groups, provided there are convenient flights at competitive prices.”
Certification hurdle
Before the airport can resume operations, it has to be recertified and its licence reinstated.
South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) Commissioner Poppy Khoza told the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and Minister in the Presidency, on October 14, that Pilanesberg is expected to remain uncertified beyond the 2026/27 financial year. Certification could be completed in 2027/28 or 2028/29.
Khoza said the airport’s licence was withdrawn because of infrastructure and operational deficiencies. These include non-compliant runway conditions, inadequate infrastructure maintenance, defective perimeter fencing, excessive vegetation, shortcomings in rescue and firefighting services and insufficiently trained personnel and staff shortages.
Once the deficiencies have been addressed, the airport will undergo a five-phase certification process with the SACAA treating it as a new aerodrome application.
Committee Chairperson Frederik Badenhorst said the technical support provided by ISA could assist in addressing the airport’s non-compliance.
