WATCH: Celebration as Richards Bay Airport reopens
Reopening of Richards Bay an important milestone for the City of uMhlathuze says Mayor Xolani Ngwezi
RICHARDS Bay Airport has officially reopened to commercial flights – welcoming the first airline this morning (Monday) after a two-year closure.
Privately-owned airline Airlink, which was carrying passengers from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, was treated to a water cannon salute and welcomed by City of uMhlathuze officials, led by Mayor Xolani Ngwezi.
ALSO READ: Flights to resume from Richards Bay Airport
Addressing a ceremony at the airport attended by councillors, local industry and other stakeholders, Mayor Ngwezi labelled the reinstatement of commercial flights a ‘significant milestone’ for the city.
He said, while there are bigger plans to relocate the airport in the long term, the current facility is still critical to driving economic and business growth in the city.
“We have been working endlessly to refurbish the airport, and we are now ready to welcome business and leisure travellers.
“This will have a positive impact in the growth of our tourism industry and improving the ease of doing business,” said Ngwezi.
He commended various stakeholders, including Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), for driving efforts to ensure the reopening is successful.
The resumption of the flight service was also welcomed by passengers who arrived in Richards Bay on Monday – expressing excitement that they will no longer have to travel to King Shaka International Airport in Durban for a connecting flight.
Read full story in the ZO Weekender
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