According to TravelNews, Garden Route Aero (GRA) is making progress on upgrading the runway at Plettenberg Bay Airport, but regular flights, including those for private aviation and charter services, will remain on hold until next year. This follows the South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issuing a Category 2 license on September 7.
This announcement has been met with disappointment from travelers who had hoped for easier access to the area during the December holiday season.
After receiving the new license, GRA shifted focus from initial preparations to more thorough technical assessments of the runway. A detailed survey has already been carried out, laying the groundwork for further remediation efforts planned for the next phase.
Currently, the airport’s Category 2 status restricts its operations to private flights, meaning that scheduled commercial services, such as those operated by CemAir, cannot resume until all upgrades are completed and a higher license category is achieved.
‘We have made significant headway in a short time,’ stated Deidre Davids, a spokesperson for GRA. She highlighted the importance of these upgrades, emphasizing that the improvements are aimed at restoring full commercial flight services and modernizing the airport’s infrastructure.
GRA’s ultimate goal is to elevate the airport to meet the requirements for a Category 5 license, which would allow the resumption of commercial flights. Along with runway improvements, the airport’s terminal is also being renovated to provide a better experience for passengers. Davids assured that while the current disruption is inconvenient, it will result in a more modern and efficient airport once regular operations can restart.
ALSO READ: Fires break out at two Kruger National Park camps
