Premier Ramathuba visits Polokwane Airport amid flight challenges

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba visited the Polokwane International Airport to find amicable solutions to resolve the challenges of Airlink flights not landing and taking off.

The airport, managed by the Gateway Airport Authority Limited [GAAL] has faced challenges since the 1st of April 2025.

Earlier this week, the airport announced the cancellation of six flights due to technical issues with the air navigation system.

ALSO READ: Limpopo athletes withdraw at national championships

Flight operations at the Airport were disrupted again on Wednesday with an aircraft unable to land due to poor weather conditions. The airport still anticipates random delays especially in April and May due to misty mornings around the airport.

During her visit, Dr Ramathuba said the provincial government has intervened to stabilise operations. Dr Ramathuba has also assured the public that the Polokwane airport will not be shut down, but urged for patience, saying the government needs at least 12 months to fully resolve the issues.

ALSO READ: Delays and cancellation of flights in Polokwane

“We still face a long-term challenge. The challenge is that when the weather is bad like today, this particular area becomes so bad that the pilots cannot see the runaways,” she said.

“So they can’t land. Hence you need the instrument landing system which they need to procure.”

“Reliable transport which includes air transport is a very critical enabler towards economic growth and development. As such we cannot afford these disruptions which are having a negative impact towards our economy,” added Premier Dr Ramathuba.