Tshwane Municipality Plans to Revitalize Wonderboom Airport
JOHANNESBURG – The Tshwane Municipality has officially committed to reviving Wonderboom Airport through a robust public-private partnership model, as part of a larger drive to revitalise underperforming municipal assets and stimulate local economic growth.
Speaking at the city’s 2025/26 budget speech on Thursday, Tshwane MMC for Finance Eugene Modise announced that specific budget allocations have been made for strategic infrastructure upgrades, with Wonderboom Airport identified as one of the priority sites. The funding also extends to the refurbishment of the Tshwane Showgrounds and Tshwane Market, both of which form part of the city’s broader economic revival strategy.
For years, Wonderboom Airport has operated at a substantial financial loss, sparking debate over whether the city should divest from the facility entirely. Many critics have urged the municipality to privatise the airport and end what they see as a drain on public funds. However, Modise firmly rejected this approach, stating that the airport still holds vast, unrealised value and could become a meaningful revenue stream for the capital city.
“The airport, in terms of the assessment made, is very ideal for cargo,” Modise said. “If you compare it to Polokwane airport, which lacks both the infrastructure and connectivity, Wonderboom Airport is much better positioned to serve as a cargo gateway. Goods from Rustenburg—especially platinum exports—and manganese from Limpopo can be routed more efficiently through Wonderboom.”
The municipality envisions Wonderboom Airport not only as a cargo hub but also as a centre for expanding domestic passenger travel and aviation-related business activity. With its strategic location just north of Pretoria, and close access to major highways and industrial zones, the airport has the geographic advantage needed to become a major logistical node for Gauteng.
Modise emphasized that while challenges remain, particularly around funding and modernisation, a public-private partnership offers a pragmatic solution. “We do not intend to hand over this important municipal asset. Instead, we’re looking to invite private investors to partner with us in unlocking the airport’s potential,” he said.
The idea behind such a partnership is to combine the city’s regulatory oversight and strategic vision with private-sector efficiency, innovation, and capital. This approach, Modise said, ensures that Wonderboom Airport remains a public resource while being professionally managed for profitability and sustainability.
As part of the long-term vision, the city also aims to increase the airport’s domestic flight capacity. This would involve attracting regional airlines to operate out of Wonderboom Airport, giving Pretoria residents more direct travel options and alleviating congestion at OR Tambo International Airport. The expansion of flight offerings is expected to stimulate tourism and local business, contributing to job creation and economic diversification.
Currently, Wonderboom Airport handles a limited number of flights and is underutilised in terms of infrastructure. The proposed revitalisation plan includes upgrades to runways, cargo facilities, passenger terminals, and navigational systems. According to Modise, these improvements would help bring the airport up to modern operational standards and make it more attractive to airlines and logistics companies.
Wonderboom Airport – Tshwane Municipality Unveils Ambitious Plan to Revive Wonderboom Airport
In addition to passenger and cargo operations, the municipality is exploring the potential for Wonderboom Airport to serve as a base for aviation training schools, aircraft maintenance services, and small-scale manufacturing related to aerospace and logistics. These industries would not only make use of the airport’s facilities but could also bring significant employment opportunities to the surrounding communities.
Despite past financial struggles, Modise remains optimistic. “We believe Wonderboom Airport has a future. With the right partnerships and investment, it can transform from a liability into a strategic asset that supports growth and development for the city of Tshwane.”
The municipality is expected to announce further details on the partnership framework and invite expressions of interest from private investors in the coming months. If successful, the Wonderboom Airport revival could become a model for how municipalities can responsibly manage and monetise public infrastructure without relinquishing control or sacrificing public benefit.
As Tshwane begins this ambitious journey, all eyes will be on how the project unfolds—and whether Wonderboom Airport can finally reach its full potential as a key player in South Africa’s aviation and logistics sectors.
Source- EWN
