Limpopo is looking into conducting a feasibility study to convert Hoedspruit Airport into an international airport, Thesan Moodley, spokesperson for the Transport Department, told TUO. The province will also conduct a feasibility study into whether the Lephalale military airstrip could be converted into a full civilian airport.

Moodley says there are no fixed dates yet, as the feasibility study hasn’t been conducted but, given the significant growth in tourism, the department is optimistic about the future of its plans for the airports.

According to Moodley, Hoedspruit Airport welcomed over 57 000 passengers between 2008 and 2009, and the airport has the capacity to handle an additional 10 000 passengers.

Mike Tauatsoala, Manager: Corporate Communications Limpopo Tourism and Parks, says: “The development of this airstrip would clearly be good news for tourism and the town as it is growing very fast due to major projects in parts of the province.”