Flights diverted while airstrip at Bhisho is upgraded

The Eastern Cape's longest airstrip at Bhisho airport has been closed for six weeks as part of a R100 million project to blow new life into the Ciskei-era structure.

Provincial transport spokesperson Ncedo Kumbaca said workers would be touching up the 20-year-old runway and more than 60 flights will have to be diverted.

"Aircraft movements have already improved from 13 movements per month before October 2006 to 67 per month and this will steadily increase as fuel becomes available," he said.

Kumbaca said the airport is mostly used by private air companies and for cash-in-transit planes.

This upgrade is expected to be completed by March 2008 and more than 100 people from the surrounding villages have been employed and there will be more workers needed as the project progresses.

The SAPS Air Wing has already relocated to Bhisho Airport, while Port Alfred-based 43 Air School has signed a declaration with the transport department to expand its advanced aviation training to the airport.

As part of the deal, the air school will rent custom-built offices and lecture halls and an accommodation building for up to 36 students and lecturers.

On October 1 a welcoming ceremony will be held for the first 14 students who will relocate to the airport for instrument training.

Work done on the airport so far includes stripping and painting the control tower and converting the terminal building for 43 Air School's offices.

A new security road and fence is being constructed around the airport and a new fire tender was delivered in May. The intention is to increase the emergency capacity of the airport and improve its grades from two to four.

Kumbaca said the airport has been earmarked for international flights during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Transport MEC Thobile Mhlahlo previously announced that the Bhisho and "Umtata" Airport names should be changed.

Meetings have been scheduled this month with the Eastern Cape Geographic Names Committee, the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and the Buffalo City and King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipalities to discuss the issue.

Get commercial property news by email

Free alerts when we publish — pick a focus or get everything, unsubscribe in one click. Subscribe »