Vaal Aerozone plans R22.6b airport and logistics hub in Emfuleni

Plans for a R22.6b Vaal Aerotropolis development in the Emfuleni Local Municipality are progressing, with the proposed airport now undergoing environmental authorisation and regulatory processes, reports the Sedibeng Ster.

Led by Vaal Aerozone, the development is planned across parts of 13 farms in Emfuleni and is intended to establish an international passenger airport and major freight and logistics hub in the Sedibeng District.

According to project information, the airport would initially accommodate 7.2 million passengers and 150 000 tons of freight annually. It would also include four flexible freighter stands and a 4.2km runway designed to accommodate Code F aircraft, among the largest aircraft in operation.

The proposed development would have direct road access to the N1 and is located approximately 50 minutes by road from Johannesburg.

The broader aerotropolis plan includes an agri-zone, agricultural hubs, trade facilities, offices, hospitality and medical facilities, a solar farm and retail developments. A hotel with more than 90 rooms is also proposed.

Project estimates indicate that construction could create about 12 000 jobs, with a further 6 000 permanent operational positions once the development is running.

The Sedibeng District Municipality has reportedly put the overall project cost at R22.6b, of which R12.2b would be allocated to the airport.

Emfuleni Local Municipality spokesperson Makhosonke Sangweni confirmed the reports, saying the project was being driven by national government and involved all three spheres of government.

The aerotropolis forms part of the broader proposed Vaal Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which aims to stimulate industrial and economic development in the Vaal Triangle.

The SEZ was first announced by former Gauteng premier David Makhura during his State of the Province Address in February 2020. Proposed developments included Vaal Marina, Savannah City and Vaal River City, alongside logistics and mining investments in the Heidelberg area.

Earlier this year, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition held public consultations on the proposed designation of the Vaal SEZ.

Vaal Aerozone published a background information document on September 30 as part of its application for environmental authorisation.

Interested and affected parties have been invited to submit written comments to environmental assessment practitioner EMS Africa by December 2.

The submissions will be considered in the final environmental scoping report, which will be submitted to the Gauteng Department of Environment.

According to the current project timeline, construction is envisaged between 2029 and 2031, with operations potentially starting in 2032.

The development therefore remains subject to the necessary environmental approvals and regulatory processes.

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