Durban — The new Mkuze Airport will unlock tourism and business potential in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
That was according to Tourism KZN. The upgrade of Mkuze Airport includes resurfacing the 1.8km runway that is the second longest in the province, putting in a perimeter fence and a new two-storey 1 100m2 thatch terminal building with reception area, small conferences/meeting rooms, car hire, a disabled lift, CCTV security and control tower.
Tourism KZN said that northern KZN, which had the highest concentration of game reserves in the country, was a popular destination for international tourists. On the day of the airport opening there were five groups of international travellers – two from the Netherlands and three from Germany – who were staying at Ghost Mountain Inn, and another group travelling via eSwatini stopped over for lunch.
KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) MEC Siboniso Duma officially handed over Mkuze Airport, which it is hoped will play a critical role in reviving tourism in the region, to the uMkhanyakude District Municipality on Tuesday.
The new airport will be able to handle aircraft carrying up to 100 passengers.
Speaking on the importance of the new airport, Duma said: “The new airport will make access to the region easier. It will improve air connectivity through commercial airlines, which will increase the number of local and international tourists to the region. This airport will not only stimulate tourism, but will drive more tourism product developments and job creation. We want to see more participation of emerging tourism entrepreneurs within the sector, and projects like these will create more opportunities for those who have businesses that are within the tourism value chain.
“In the longer term we are planning an aerotropolis (airport city) around the airport allowing for residential, business, leisure and retail, hospitality, and culture. The region also had 4 000 hectares of arable land for agriculture, which openes opportunities for agri-processing, which would provide further opportunities for SMMEs.”
Duma said that EDTEA had been in talks with potential airlines, and Federal Airlines was the first to take up the opportunity. Fedair currently flies directly to Phinda game reserve.
Federal Airlines Group Leisure sales manager Jason Werdmuller said: “This is a great step forward to creating seamless accessibility to the area. The airline is extremely excited to pursue the opportunities that lie ahead, and we are looking at Easter 2023 to start a shuttle flight within the region.
“We are planning to fly from Nelspruit via Phinda to Mkuze. Also looking at Ulundi Airport and connecting to Durban where the aircraft will overnight and repeat the stops in return to Nelspruit.
“At first there will be one flight a day. As demand rises, we will look at increasing frequencies, with an option of adding additional aircraft. We believe the best way forward is to focus on the international leisure inbound market and domestic travellers wanting to visit the region.”
Werdmuller said Federal Airlines would be marketing this product to international buyers this year and would announce their fare structure once they had completed their feasibility study and consulted with the trade.
Daily News