The construction of a R2.4 billion airport in La Mercy, north of Durban, will be completed and fully operational in time for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup.

And the existing airport will cease operations in the first quarter of 2010, Transport Minister Jeff Radebe told reporters here on Thursday.

The new Dube Tradeport and airport in La Mercy is expected to cater for 7.5 million passengers when it starts operating.

It will comprise among others cargo terminals, warehouses as well as an "agrizone" that will involve growing agricultural products, processing as well as packaging.


"Not only will the airport cater for the increase in passenger numbers but it will also help grow the province's and country's economy," CEO, Rohan Persad told BuaNews.

Mr Radebe said the existing Durban International Airport was recording about 14 percent increase in passenger numbers and would not be able to cope with this high volume by 2010.

"The present Durban airport will not be able to accommodate the growing passenger numbers and it cannot be expanded further at the present location."

Mr Radebe expressed optimism and enthusiasm about the project.

"The benefits for this integrated logistics platform, the commercial developments therein and the passenger facilities represent a new road that will bring prosperity to the area and benefit, not only for KwaZulu-Natal but for South Africa."

The minister explained that Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) would exclusively build, operate and own the airport and passenger terminals while Dube Tradeport company would own and manage the cargo terminals.

Mr Radebe said wherever possible, private sector involvement - with emphasis on Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) - would be sought during the construction.

ACSA Managing Director Monhla Hlahla said it was "imperative" that the construction of the project be accelerated.

"People of KwaZulu-Natal have been looking for an opportunity to get something that will grow their economy and benefit them and South Africa as a whole."

Ms Hlahla also said the province had indicated that it had plans to investigate how to attract international flights because international airliners preferred flying into Johannesburg.

"We will assist the province in this regard," she said.- BuaNews