Mthatha Airport is gearing up for bigger and better things following the first landing by Airlink on the new runway on May 30.
The opening of the runway also allows the airport to handle larger aircraft. Also, as part of phase one of the upgrades, which is expected to be completed during the current financial year, is a new terminal building. The Eastern Cape Department of Transport is positioning Mthatha Airport through a three-phase programme to be a passenger and freight hub linking road, rail and air transportation and effectively becoming a gateway to the east of the province.
The department will develop a comprehensive aviation strategy for the province, which will form the basis for engagement with the relevant stakeholders in the aviation industry in an effort to identify the best model for the development of Phase two.
The upgrade project is expected to improve the airport’s capacity as the department continues to lobby and negotiate with more airlines to service the route between Mthatha and Johannesburg as well as between Mthatha and Durban. Provincial Government intends to have a service between Cape Town and Mthatha via Port Elizabeth and Bhisho.