BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MBABANE– Government has launched an ambitious E65 million project to restore Matsapha International Airport as a fully operational alternative international airport, backed by a USD4 million grant from the Republic of China (Taiwan).
The initiative is aimed at strengthening Eswatini’s aviation infrastructure, improving emergency operational capacity and ensuring the country has a reliable alternative international gateway.
The rehabilitation project comes more than a decade after the opening of King Mswati III International Airport in 2014, which led to operations at Matsapha International Airport being significantly scaled down. According to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport’s First Quarter Performance Report for the 2026/27 financial year, the reduced activity resulted in the deterioration of critical infrastructure and the obsolescence of key operational equipment.
The ministry has confirmed that Matsapha International Airport will undergo extensive rehabilitation and upgrading to restore its ability to safely accommodate international operations while complying with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
The project will include the replacement and upgrading of air navigation systems, rehabilitation of the runway, taxiways and apron, installation of upgraded airfield lighting and markings, strengthening of perimeter fencing and security systems, procurement of modern aerodrome equipment, as well as improvements to Rescue and Fire Fighting Services to enable the airport to accommodate large-bodied aircraft.
Government says the rehabilitation will ensure Matsapha International Airport can once again operate as a secure, reliable and fully functional alternative international gateway for the Kingdom.
Beyond the airport itself, the project also includes the upgrading of approximately four kilometres of the MR31 road between Ndlunganye and Matsapha International Airport. The road improvements are expected to enhance access to the facility while easing traffic congestion along the route.
Procurement processes for contractors are currently being finalised, with construction expected to begin once the tender process has been completed. The first phase of the rehabilitation project is scheduled for completion by the end of December 2026.
The revival of Matsapha International Airport forms part of government’s broader strategy to modernise strategic national infrastructure while ensuring operational resilience within the country’s aviation sector.
Meanwhile, government is also investing E24.1 million to refurbish and expand VIP facilities at King Mswati III International Airport.
The project includes the remodelling, refurbishment and furnishing of the VIP Arrivals and Departures Lounges, the establishment of an additional VIP Lounge at the airport’s main concourse, and the procurement of two luxury vehicles for the transportation of VIPs.
According to the latest project update, fitting-out works for the three VIP lounges have already been completed. Construction has now advanced to the mezzanine floor, where the concrete ring beam has been completed while blockwork, construction of the suspended mezzanine slab and electrical installations continue.
As King Mswati III International Airport remains fully operational during construction, access to work areas is being carefully coordinated through weekly work schedules to minimise disruption to airport operations while ensuring contractors can safely execute the project.
The VIP lounge rehabilitation project remains on track for completion by the end of August 2026.
Together, the two airport projects demonstrate government’s continued investment in modern aviation infrastructure. Once completed, Matsapha International Airport is expected to serve as a fully functional alternative international airport capable of supporting commercial operations, emergency diversions and other strategic aviation requirements.
(Courtesy Pic)
