The City of Tshwane has announced plans to reintroduce commercial flights between Pretoria and Cape Town—routes that were grounded in 2018 due to concerns over profitability.
A view of the city of Pretoria, Tshwane Metropolitan/Sipho Ndebele/Unsplash
The update came from Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise on Friday at Wonderboom National Airport, during The Children’s Flight 2025 programme.
According to Modise, the airport is one of the city’s key strategic assets in its economic revitalisation drive, and efforts are underway to put it on the market this September according to IOL reports.
“Our primary objective is to ensure that it is fully functional,” he said.
Modise confirmed that the city intends to restart discussions with the South African Civil Aviation Authority to renew the licence for Pretoria–Cape Town flights and also explore launching a new route to Durban.
This development follows April’s announcement that Messe Frankfurt South Africa would not renew its agreement with the City of Tshwane to host AERO South Africa at Wonderboom National Airport beyond 2024. The three-day aviation trade event was relocated to Lanseria International Airport, where it took place last month.
While acknowledging the economic value AERO South Africa brought, the city said it has entered into new partnerships to maximise the airport’s usage.
Friday’s event also marked the 10th edition of The Children’s Flight initiative, which gave more than 1,000 underprivileged children their first experience of flying. Supported by 150 pilots and over 100 sponsors nationwide, the event included helicopter rides and aviation demonstrations.
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Modise said the programme aims to inspire children to consider careers in the aviation industry—from piloting to air traffic control, engineering, and technical roles.
“Every opportunity provided to them today lays the foundation for the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow,” he said.
“Shaping young minds begins with exposure, allowing children to envision greater possibilities, dream bigger, think smarter, and strive for excellence.”
He also reiterated the airport’s role as a powerful economic driver for Tshwane.
“Its growth fuels local development and positions the capital as a key player in regional and international connectivity,” Modise said.
Event organiser Felix Gosher said the initiative focuses on giving flight experiences to children from registered care facilities—many of whom may never otherwise set foot on a plane.
Tlangi Mogale, Tshwane’s MMC for Roads and Transport, added that the programme creates meaningful opportunities while attracting support from local businesses and lighting up young faces with joy.
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