Progression is finally underway at the Newcastle Airport, with the Newcastle Municipality determined to see the facility becoming fully functional and operational in the near future.
In May 2024, Newcastillian News reported that the Newcastle Municipal Airport was set to receive a sizeable cash injection to enhance the facility.
This would pave the way for upgrades to improve its amenities and attract significant investment, thereby substantially boosting the local economy. This exciting development includes numerous projects such as resealing the airport runway, replacing the runway lights, and refurbishing the airport fuelling system.
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With this in mind, the appointed service provider officially began the challenging task of resealing the airport runway on Friday, 12 July 2024. This monumental task saw the service provider working throughout the weekend to complete the necessary work. Following this, the runway lights will be addressed and upgraded, taking the airport another step closer to its transformation.
As the Newcastle Municipal Airport falls within his portfolio, Cllr Bertie Meiring explained that the combined costs of resealing the runway and upgrading the lights come at a price of R5 million. He shared his excitement about the project’s potential to invigorate the area.
Looking ahead, Cllr Meiring stated, “The Newcastle Municipality is aiming to make the airport an open-air facility for all aircraft, which will attract investment within the local community.”
Additionally, he noted that the Municipality aims to see the airport fully functional within a year’s time. However, before this can happen, he highlighted that the Municipality wants to ensure that the facility meets all the necessary criteria for an airport. This includes securing a fire truck and refurbishing the fuelling system, among other upcoming projects.
As the Newcastle Municipality focuses on transforming the airport to promote economic development and attract investments, what are your thoughts on these developments?
Share your views in the comment section below.
7 Responses
The Airport is a major project that will bring a lot of investors closer. This is wonderful. I am very happy. Thank you
Hopefully this will lead to direct Flights from George and OR Thambo airport. It is about time, as the opening to commercial flights by the larger carriers and passenger flights are long overdue.
Nollie van Zyl,
George.
Thank you to the economic development of the town both transport and agri.
To meet the requirements for a commercial airport, certification must obtained from the Civil Aviation Authorities. For that to happen strict standards must be met………… and the non- compliance of CAA standards led to the downfall of the Newcastle Airport not to be rated as a Commercial Airport
I’m happy to come at home Newcastle now and then cost effectively since we will now have an operational airport. Thank you 💕
Hopefully flights between Newcastle and Richards Bay will also become a reality as the road linking these two places is becoming a disaster zone and a nightmare to use.
How bout flights to Durban 🙏