A plan to establish a brand-new international airport south of Johannesburg is making progress, with the project leaders now seeking environmental authorisation.
The project, headed by the Vaal Aerozone, aims to establish a new international airport and Smart City in the proposed Vaal Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
This zone is located in the Emfuleni local municipality, approximately 9km west of Vanderbijlpark and the N1 freeway.
The proposed development area for the new airport, which includes a freight and logistics hub, stretches across 13 farms in Heidelberg, Kookfontein, Langlaagte, Rietspruit, and Zwartkopjies.
Known as the Vaal Aerotropolis, the new site will be the only airport in Gauteng with integrated air cargo services designed and planned as a priority.
“The aim of the Vaal Aerotropolis is to serve as a driving force and strategic investment for economic growth and global trade,” the developers said.
“This development aims to serve as a key freight and logistics hub, thereby revitalising Emfuleni and creating sustainable value in the region.”
According to the Sedibeng District Municipality, the aerotropolis project has an estimated cost of R22.6 billion, with the airport alone accounting for R12.2 billion.
Construction on the site is expected to generate 12,000 jobs, and the completed airport is anticipated to provide 6,000 permanent jobs.
Development across the entire area is set to take place over the next 60 years, taking place in three phases, reported Daily Investor.
The airport will be created in Phase 1 and will gradually expand its capacity in line with demand as the zone develops, eventually including an international terminal, cargo terminal, airport city, solar farm, agri-zone, and trade zone.
The Vaal Aerozone is now applying for environmental authorisation for Phase 1 of the project.
A new travel hub for South Africa
Phase 1 will establish the airport’s core infrastructure, including a passenger terminal with an annual capacity of 7.2 million people and a cargo terminal with an annual capacity of 150,000 tonnes of freight.
It will also feature a 4.2km runway designed for Code F aircraft, and two rapid-exit taxiways. The airport city will include office spaces, medical consulting facilities, and a hotel with over 90 rooms.
Other infrastructure will include aircraft parking, maintenance areas, fuel storage, road access, and municipal services such as water supplies, wastewater treatment, electricity, and stormwater systems.
“[The airport] will have the initial capacity of 7.2 million passengers, serving as a crucial catalyst for global business and trade, just 50 minutes by road from Johannesburg,” said the Vaal Aerozone.
Construction on Phase 1 is scheduled for 2029-2031, with the airport set to begin operations by 2032, provided the project is approved and does not encounter unforeseen delays.
Beyond the airport, the SEZ will feature an agricultural zone with climate-controlled greenhouses, hydroponic farming, tissue culture facilities and infrastructure for exporting perishable goods.
The trade zone, meanwhile, plans to add manufacturing warehouses and distribution facilities intended to connect air freight with the country’s rail and road infrastructure.
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1 commentsAnd more billions of rand disappearing into couches, with very rich tenderpreneurs on the list doing nothing for their money. And here comes the EWC for all the property (farms) that is needed and are going to lay bare for many years to come if it ever will be built.