Vereeniging Airport licence concerns have raised fresh questions about aviation safety, municipal maintenance and economic prospects in the Vaal.

Opposition parties say the loss of the airport’s licence has hurt the region’s already strained economy. However, Sedibeng District Municipality says the South African Civil Aviation Authority has not closed the aerodrome and that long-standing infrastructure problems remain the main issue.

Vereeniging Airport licence concerns linked to safety risks

The Freedom Front Plus said Sedibeng District Municipality failed to maintain Vereeniging Airport, leading to the cancellation of the airport’s licence. The party said inadequate perimeter fencing was the main problem, as it allowed uncontrolled access and placed the fuel farm at risk.

The DA also blamed the municipality for neglect and said the airport’s infrastructure had failed. It said deteriorated fencing, poor oversight and a lack of maintenance had put aviation activity and local commerce at risk.

SACAA’s published aeronautical information supplement for Vereeniging Aerodrome does not use the word “closed”. However, it lists serious operational limits from 16 April to 28 October 2026, including no available perimeter fence, an unserviceable PAPI system for runway 03 and no night operations.

Municipality disputes closure claim

Sedibeng District Municipality said on 23 April 2026 that the SACAA had not closed the aerodrome or started such a process. It said historical challenges “ultimately resulted” in the cancellation of the aerodrome’s licence in 2019 because of non-compliance with strict perimeter fencing rules.

The municipality also denied that it approved or issued a R180,000 maintenance tender in July 2025. It asked the VF Plus to provide evidence so the claim could be investigated.

Sedibeng said council had resolved to pursue a private-sector partnership. Under the plan, the aerodrome would be leased to investors willing to rehabilitate the facility and support general aviation.

Vaal SEZ plans continue

The dispute comes as government consults residents and businesses on the proposed Vaal Special Economic Zone. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said the Vaal SEZ would include five land parcels and could support green industrialisation, logistics, tourism, agro-processing, a smart city and an aerotropolis.