Planned Lanseria Airport Name Change Sparks Debate Amid Major Upgrade Plans

ohannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has announced plans to rename Lanseria International Airport, a move he believes will better align the airport with the city’s image and identity. However, not everyone is convinced this should be a priority.

During his 2025 State of the City Address, Morero revealed that discussions are underway to give the privately-owned airport a new name—though he didn’t suggest what that name might be. He argued that the airport, a key transport hub for Gauteng and the broader Southern African region, should reflect Johannesburg’s vision more clearly.

“This is about giving the airport a name that fits the city’s growing ambitions and strengthens its brand,” said Morero, adding that the city supports the initiative.

But the surprise announcement caught many in Johannesburg’s coalition government off guard. Some, like the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and Freedom Front Plus (FF+), say they were not consulted and question whether a rebrand is necessary—especially during tough economic times.

Political Pushback Over Priorities

UDM councillor Yongama Zigebe expressed concern over the lack of transparency, noting that his party only learned of the plan during Morero’s public speech.

“We’re still waiting for a formal report to be presented to council,” he said, stressing that the city council—not the mayor alone—has the final say on such decisions.

Others, like FF+ councillor Franco de Lange, were far more critical.

“This is an absolute waste of taxpayers’ money,” he said. “It won’t solve our core issues like poverty, unemployment, or housing shortages.”

Even AIC councillor Margaret Arnolds, Johannesburg’s Finance MMC, confirmed that while the idea had surfaced in informal government discussions, it has yet to be presented through the appropriate governance channels.

Ongoing Investment in Airport Growth

While debate rages over the potential name change, one thing is clear: Lanseria Airport is expanding fast.

After being sold to private investors in 1991, Lanseria has seen steady upgrades. Its ownership group—which includes Harith General Partners, Nozala Women’s Investment Group, and the Government Employees Pension Fund—has overseen major infrastructure developments to support regional and international growth.

In July 2024, the airport announced a R500 million infrastructure upgrade, including a new fuel depot, expanded taxiways, and a maintenance hub. These upgrades are expected to allow Lanseria to accommodate large aircraft like Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s—bringing it closer to competing with OR Tambo International Airport.

Lanseria CEO Rampa Rammopo said the upgrades will transform the airport into a key player in regional logistics and trade.

“Our expanded fuel storage—from one million litres to seven million—will improve reliability and allow us to attract more global aviation partners,” he said.

What’s Next?

With significant infrastructure investments underway and a growing presence in Southern Africa’s aviation scene, Lanseria’s evolution is undeniable. But whether a name change will enhance or distract from that momentum remains up for debate.

What is clear is that Johannesburg’s leadership must tread carefully—balancing the city’s branding goals with the financial and social priorities of its residents.

{Source: BusinessTech}

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