Mr N J J v R Koornhof (Cope) asked the Minister of Transport:
Whether there are any plans to open the Skukuza airport for commercial flights in future; if not, why not; if so, when?
REPLY:
The Minister of Transport:
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) acts on behalf of the Minister of Transport on all aviation safety and security matters, including the safety oversight of all licensed aerodromes. It is, however, the prerogative of the aerodrome licence holder to decide on the type of operations it wants to provide, based on its technical capabilities and financial standing, consistent with the conditions of the relevant aerodrome licence.
Skukuza Airport currently holds a Category II aerodrome licence for daylight operations and according to the SACAA, no request for the upgrading of the aerodrome license has been made to date.
All air services (commercial and non-commercial) to and from Skukuza Airport will require approval from the Management Authority in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No 57 of 2003), administered by the Department of Environmental Affairs. The Minister of Environmental Affairs should, therefore, be approached should information regarding compliance with the said Act be required.
