How the Msunduzi airport master plan could transform the local economy

The Msunduzi Municipality stated that the first draft of the revised Airport Master Plan has been completed to transform Pietermaritzburg Airport into a strategic aviation hub. 

The municipality stated that this is a broader economic development strategy to boost local investment, tourism, and infrastructure growth. The municipality added that a key milestone in this revitalisation effort was the recent hosting of the Pietermaritzburg Airshow, after more than a decade, in partnership with Fuze Aviation Academy.

Nelisiwe Ngcobo, Msunduzi Municipality acting municipal manager, said that the response prompted the municipality to make this an annual event, reinforcing the city's re-emergence on South Africa’s aviation map.

“Presently, the airport handles four scheduled arrivals and departures daily, alongside charter and training flights from two flight schools. Demand is steadily increasing, validating the airport’s expansion strategy," Ngcobo said.

The short to medium-term Plans (2026–2028) include:

• Attracting a second airline to improve route diversity and affordability.
• Terminal upgrades include expanded office and retail spaces, modernised baggage collection systems, and digital check-in enhancements.

• Development of adjacent land for commercial use, a proposed hotel, conference centre, and retail area designed to promote an aerotropolis model.
•  Apron expansion to accommodate increased aircraft traffic.

Some of the long-term plans (2030–2035) include:

• Establishment of a cargo terminal, including an agro-cargo facility and dry port to serve surrounding industrial areas like Mkondeni.
• Runway extension to support larger aircraft, including low-cost carriers.
• Separation of general aviation (GA) from commercial operations for enhanced efficiency.

“A comprehensive study conducted by the airport has confirmed significant untapped demand, including improved connectivity for local businesses and government travellers who currently rely on distant airports like King Shaka,” Ngcobo said.

There are also plans to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) to explore extended benefits for flights to and from ACSA-managed airports. Ngcobo also outlined that jobs will be created through construction, airport operations, hospitality, and retail.

Anthony Waldhausen, CEO of the Msunduzi Association of Residents, Ratepayers and Civics (MARRC), welcomes the development of the airport and hopes that the project takes off as it will provide employment opportunities for local residents and boost new businesses as well.

“There needs to be an expansion of the airport to facilitate other airline companies that would provide competition, all of which would provide opportunities for cheaper flight costs for residents and businesses,” he said.

He noted that this would also save travellers money, as they currently have to travel to King Shaka International Airport, causing congestion.

“The city would be able to benefit in the long term, which would see overall improvement of the city to the benefit of all stakeholders. We call on the Msunduzi municipality to involve all stakeholders in the overall plans and decision-making process of the project,” Waldhausen said.

He added that in order for the project to succeed, the municipality needs to overhaul the water and electricity infrastructure throughout the municipality as it will bring an influx of tourists and families visiting family members.

“Local residents need to be prioritised for most of the employment opportunities as well,” he said

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za.