Video

GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - Things have picked up at the George Airport in the past month. More than 23 000 passengers - the largest number since the start of the lockdown in March last year - passed through the gates in March 2021.

Indications are also that April could even be better. Altogether 4 000 more passengers have passed through the gates in the first 12 days of April, than in the corresponding time in March.

This was brought to light by Brenda Vorster, manager of the George Airport and also chairperson of the George Business Chamber, at the AGM of the chamber on Tuesday night, 18 April, when she tabled her chairperson's report for 2020/21.

She told George Herald after the meeting that things are getting back to normal. "We are 50% there in comparison to this time last year."

Before March 2020 there was an average of 45 000 passengers per month. The George Airport was growing and they were planning to expand it. Then came Covid and the expansion plans were put on hold. She stressed that the expansion is not off, but has just been deferred for a few years.

Among the reasons for the increase in passengers in the past month, is that people are finding comfort in travelling. People also feel safe and confident to fly.

Currently there are at least eight flights per day - eight landings and eight departures - and weekends are busy.

Watch a video below:

Asked about talk that the George Airport might close on weekends, she said that it is not true and they are just rumours.

The George Airport is the lifeline of business and the community in the area.

Outgoing Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the George Business Chamber, Ingrid Cronjé (left) and Brenda Vorster, chairperson of the George Business Chamber. Photos: Eugene Gunning

The meeting was also the last AGM that outgoing Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ingrid Cronjé attended. Tribute was paid for her contribution over the last 10 years.

'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'