Dual runway to be built
James Hall
MBABANE - Details about Swaziland's new International Airport, planned
as the region's second largest next to Johannesburg International, are out this week now that Arab Consulting Engineers of Egypt has completed preliminary work.
The estimated R1,2 billion project also includes a highway to connect the airport's location in the eastern lowveld with the commercial hub Manzini.
King Mswati will have
his own lounge inside
a passenger terminal capable of handling 400 outgoing and incoming passengers per hour. A VIP lounge will also be built.
A special cargo terminal building to accommodate cargo traffic will be built. Hangar facilities will accommodate at least two large-body aircraft simultaneously, with maintenance facilities. Wide-bodied aircraft cannot currently land in Swaziland because of the short runways at Matsapha International Airport, whose terminal can handle only 50 passengers an hour.
The plan calls for a state of the art air traffic control tower with approach control facilities, airport surveillance radar with appropriate range, and navigation and communications equipment.
A dual runway is to be built to handle any type of aircraft in use, including taxiways, lighting system and parking bays and apron area.
No time frame has been given for the construction of the airport, which will meet both ICAO and international standards, according to the consultancy firm.
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