Lanseria International Airport Set for Possible Name Change, Says Joburg Mayor

Plans are in motion to rename Lanseria International Airport, with the City of Johannesburg backing the move to better reflect the airport’s identity and connection to the metro.

Executive Mayor Dada Morero confirmed during the 2025 State of the City address debate on 8 May that the airport’s management is considering a rebranding. The proposed change is part of a broader development vision aimed at reinforcing Lanseria’s role as a key gateway to Johannesburg.

“We are informed that the airport management is contemplating renaming the facility to more closely reflect and celebrate its connection to our city,” Morero said. “As the City, we will support this initiative, which will strengthen the airport brand and foster a stronger sense of belonging.”

Lanseria, situated to the northwest of Johannesburg, is South Africa’s only privately-owned and operated international airport. It has long been praised for its reliability and operational efficiency.

A bold vision from humble beginnings

Lanseria Airport was first established in 1972 by Pretoria pilots Fanie Haacke and Abe Sher. Their goal was to create a major international airport to serve Johannesburg, with just R2.7 million in funding. The airport started as a grass strip, facing strong resistance from local farmers concerned about noise and traffic.

Despite the initial pushback, the idea gained traction thanks to government support, particularly from the then-Minister of Planning. Roodepoort and Krugersdorp municipalities eventually bought into the project, making it an official transport hub for the city.

Lanseria officially opened in 1974 for private aircraft and steadily grew in reputation through the 1980s. It gained global attention in 1990 when Nelson Mandela landed there upon his release from prison.

The airport also became a regular host of airshows and demonstrations, reinforcing its status as a reputable and safe aviation facility.

Privatisation and major upgrades

Lanseria’s next chapter began in 1991 when it was sold to a consortium of private investors. The new owners poured R500 million into upgrades to accommodate larger aircraft, including Boeing 757s.

Significant infrastructure improvements followed, including a new terminal, upgraded taxiways, and expanded runways. In 2012, the airport was again sold—this time to a consortium involving Harith General Partners, the women-led empowerment group Nozala, and the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF).

This new ownership group has continued investing in the airport, transforming it into a competitive alternative to OR Tambo International. In July 2024, a fresh round of upgrades was announced to expand Lanseria’s capacity and attract additional regional airlines.

Plans include new maintenance and repair facilities, fixed-base operator zones, taxiway improvements, and a fuel depot designed to avoid the fuel shortages that sometimes affect OR Tambo and Cape Town International.

Airport CEO Rampa Rammopo said the improvements will turn Lanseria into a one-stop hub for aviation needs, eliminating some of the challenges that currently deter airline operations.

Ownership reshuffle in progress

The airport is also undergoing another ownership change. Harith has agreed to buy out its partners in the Pan African Infrastructure Development Fund, offering an exit route for institutional investors such as Absa, Old Mutual, and the GEPF.

This restructuring is expected to simplify governance and position the airport for further growth as both a commercial and regional aviation centre.

While the new name for Lanseria International Airport remains unknown, the City’s backing signals a broader transformation that could elevate the airport’s profile—both nationally and internationally.

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Sourced:Daily Investor

Picture: The African Business Journal