In a sudden and disruptive move, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has ordered the immediate closure of Plettenberg Bay Airport. The decision, effective from July 31, 2024, stems from critical safety concerns related to the airport’s runway.
The airport’s license has been suspended, pending the resolution of significant maintenance backlogs and historical issues affecting the runway. These shortcomings pose a severe safety risk to aircraft and passengers, prompting the drastic action by the aviation authority.
A planned handover of airport operations from Bitou Municipality to Garden Route Aero (GRA) in July has been put on hold. GRA, a subsidiary of rsa.AREO, has expressed keen interest in taking over the airport’s management and has even proposed a transitional funding agreement to address the municipality’s historical issues. However, SACAA has emphasized that the runway must be brought up to standard before a new license will be issued to GRA.
CemAir, the sole airline providing commercial flights to and from Plettenberg Bay Airport, has been forced to suspend all services. Passengers are being redirected to George Airport as an alternative.
The closure is a significant setback for the local community and tourism industry, as Plettenberg Bay is a popular holiday destination. Efforts are now focused on rectifying the airport’s infrastructure and securing its reopening as soon as possible.