Newcastle Airport is currently undergoing a multi-million rand upgrade to transform into an open-air facility to accommodate all types of aircraft.
The R5 million refurbishment project aims to boost the town’s economy by attracting increased investment and includes the resealing of the runway and upgrading of lighting systems.
Newcastle Municipality has proudly launched this infrastructure initiative to elevate Newcastle Airport’s status as a key economic hub in KwaZulu-Natal.
Mthandeni Mnyandu, communications manager for the municipality, highlighted the project’s economic significance, saying: “Completion is slated by year-end. Business prospects will benefit greatly, especially with increased travel between Durban and Johannesburg.”
Key milestones of the transformation will be:
– Extending the runway’s lifespan with a thick layer of asphalt.
– Replacing non-functional ground and taxiway lights, alongside Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lights in Phase I. Phase II aligns with CAT II Airport requirements.
– Air traffic control tower implementation in the 2024/2025 fiscal year, ensuring safe passenger flights.
– Hangar repurposing to support emergency firefighting services for airport-related emergencies.
– Licensing software for air traffic control, housed in the new control tower.
Future phases, subject to funding availability, include refurbishing the refuelling system, developing operational manuals and advancing the Transit-Oriented Development Node framework.
These upgrades will firmly establish Newcastle Airport as a catalyst for economic growth, aviation excellence and commercial viability.
Mayor of Newcastle Municipality, Xolani Dube, expressed confidence in the municipality’s commitment to progress and development, foreseeing these enhancements as drivers of regional economic activity.
“This initiative underscores our dedication to community development and effective governance. Newcastle Airport is set to epitomise visionary leadership and stakeholder collaboration,” said Mayor Dube.
The municipality said they look forward to the positive impact of these upgrades on Newcastle’s economic landscape.
