Wonderboom National Airport

Wonderboom Airport, is located north of Pretoria, South Africa. The airport handles general aviation flights and passenger services.

History

The Wonderboom Airport was opened in 1937. Built on a Wonderboom farm, it was used temporarily for military training during World War II.

The airport was extensively extended, with a new terminal building and hangars being constructed as well as the runway being extended in 1965. This extension led to the Airport being able to receive its first Boeing 737 in 1982.

Wonderboom was originally only an airstrip owned by the Pretoria Municipality. The Pretoria Light Aircraft Company (Pty) Ltd was formed in 1937, and drew up an agreement with the Municipality for the use of the property.

Upgrades

The City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality spent R 165.5 million on upgrades to the airport in anticipation of passenger flights. The airport would initially be able to cope with 450 departing and 400 incoming passengers per hour. The City of Tshwane believed that there is a market for passenger service, mainly Pretoria residents that do not wish to commute to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg; an estimated 25% – 30% of passengers using O.R. Tambo are Pretoria residents.

Update: March 2021

At the beginning of the month, the City of Tshwane signed a memorandum of understanding with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) to collaborate on commercial, compliance and technical aviation advisory services, and to contract one another on the management and execution of identified projects at the City of Tshwane Wonderboom National Airport.

“The City of Tshwane and ACSA will work together to address issues of common interest and mutual benefit to each other. Together, we will embark upon a strategic collaboration and establish regular contact in order to realise the opportunities associated with advancing the airport’s operations. We are eager to ensure that the airport operates optimally and that its full potential is unleashed”, said the Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Councillor Randall Williams.

Update: August 2023

Triumphant Achievement: Wonderboom National Airport Soars to Category 5 Status

Amid challenges and adversity, Wonderboom National Airport in Tshwane has achieved a remarkable feat – the restoration of its coveted Category 5 status. Following a temporary dip to Category 2 due to compliance issues, the airport’s resurgence stands as a testament to unwavering determination. Through stringent oversight and dedicated efforts, the airport’s administrative systems, operational procedures, infrastructure, aeronautical facilities, and security measures have surpassed the thresholds of civil aviation standards. This triumphant achievement underscores the airport’s commitment to providing the flying public with the highest levels of quality, safety, and security. The journey from setbacks to triumph serves as an inspiring example of resilience and excellence in the aviation industry.

Passenger Services

Airlink offers daily flights between Tshwane and Cape Town from Wonderboom.

The Capital to Capital flights comprise up to two services daily and provide the City of Tshwane’s business and leisure travellers with simple and affordable quick and efficient access to Cape Town, and vice versa.

Customers experience the convenience of walk-on-walk-off aircraft access, a business class lounge, affordable parking in close proximity to the terminal building, and local hotel accommodation.

It takes less than 10 minutes to deplane, collect your luggage, and get to your car, and you can check-in right up to twenty minutes prior to departure.

In short, the service is simple, efficient, under-promised and over-delivered, and competitively affordable.

Tshwane houses approximately three million residents, and several thousand businesses located in multiple business commercial and industrial nodes.

All businesses, industries and communities located in and around Tshwane can benefit from the scheduled flights. In particular, manufacturing sectors such as the automotive industry and various diplomatic missions and NGO’s located within the catchment in the area, where there is a strong nexus with their counterparts in Cape Town, also benefit from air services at Wonderboom.

For business travellers, Airlink offers an intra-continental (as in intra Europe) style business class service on its 83-seater Avro RJ85 regional jet that operates the route.

Airlink’s Grey Sunbird Lounge provides private sanctuary to all Business class passengers, as well as to Voyager members, Gold/Platinum/Lifetime Platinum.  Benefits for Airlink customers include Voyager Miles.

Contact: 012 567 1188
Address: Lintveld Road, Wonderboom, Pretoria (Tshwane)
Website: https://www.wonderboomairport.co.za/