SANParks.org Forums

I have heard a rumour that there is talk of the airport at Skukuza re-opening. Has anyone else heard anything about this? I presume that all the runways and airport buildings are still there so it would not be have to be re-built. It would be interesting to know whether there is any truth to this or whether it is nothing but a rumour. Maybe one of the KNP spokesmen would know?

Will ask Diannet to follow this up for you on Monday Penny.

Hi Penny

As you quite rightly say in your post, Skukuza Airport hasn't ever really closed.
Not only are the SANParks aircraft permanently based there and operate there all the time, but there are chartered flights that land there from time to time.
All scheduled airliners now land at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (or KMIA).

That is the status quo of it at the moment.

Kind regards
KNP Spokesman

Federal Air operates "scheduled charters" between Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo) and Skukuza. I use them from time to time when staying at Rhino Post or Plains Camp. As often as not, I am the only passenger at a more or less deserted airport. Weird, compared to the days when Comair/SA Express operated two or three daily F27/Dash 8 flights to Skukuza.

Johan

Does the skukuza airport still exist, and to what extent does it function.
I last flew into Kruger in early 2000 via SA Express, and it was an experience worth treasuring.
Any other forumites that have had this rare privilege?
Thanks
WTM87

It still exists and is very functional.

hi all!
I flew into Skukuza airport a couple years ago with federal air...it really is an amazing experience to fly over the lowveld area! The terminal building is small and really not much to it, but it serves its purpose. I think it would be great if there were cheaper flights going back in there ... but not too many!

I wouldn't describe it as rare even now, Federal Air can fly you in and out every day of the week, provided you stay at the right lodge.

I've been in and out of Skukuza more times than I can count, first with Comair, then SA Express, and finally FedAir. I got to know some of the Comair F50 pilots so well that I often spent the entire flight in the cockpit jumpseat. Those were the days!

Johan

It is, but I prefer Hoedspuit Eastgate, because the descent usually takes you right over Mariepskop and the escarpment, affording spectacular views. Depending on the runway, you then fly either over Kapama or the AFB reserve. Phalaborwa is pretty cool too, you can get great views of the big hole. Best of all is the Pafuri dirt strip. SANParks being SANparks, they have devised a nice and complicated descent procedure which takes you straight past Mabyeni mountain and then over the Limpopo floodplain with all its pans, before decending over the ridge to the strip.

Johan

Thanks for the tips, Johan.......our daughter and SO are flying into Phala and flying out from Hoedspriut, so will tell them what to look for!!

I used to land at Skukuza almost on a weekly basis, en-route from Phalaborwa to Johannesburg. Sometimes in a Dakota and later on with the "new" Fokkers At one stage Comair ran a weekly flight between Phalaborwa and Durban (on Thursdays), that flight also landed at Skukuza.
The flight between Phalaborwa and Skukuza took about 15 minutes if memory serves me right. One of the sightings from the air I will always remember was of a huge baboon strolling down the road when we came in for the landing, he looked up at the plane and just carried on walking, like a seasoned ol' Jo'burg boy.

The Phalaborwa/Skukuza flight to Jhb can be real nasty and usually is. The intense heat in summer causes terrible turbulance up there, resulting in what feels like a rollercoaster ride. Then, when you think it can't get any worse, you cross over the Drakensberg Mountains and you fly into where the hot air meets the cooler air of the highveld, and usually into a severe thunderstorm. Ever spilled hot coffee onto your lap? Thats when you switch to beer.. a cold one please (It also helped the nerves)

No coffee then