About us
Vision & mission
Vision
"Connecting Plettenberg Bay to the World, Responsibly and Sustainably."
Mission
"To provide a safe, efficient, and sustainable aviation gateway that connects Plettenberg Bay and the Garden Route to national and global destinations, enhancing regional growth, tourism, and community development while maintaining the highest standards of environmental stewardship, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction."
Airport history
The airfield’s origins trace back to 1958 when the owner of the old Beacon Island Hotel, believed to be Mr. Grant, arranged for a South African Airways Dakota aircraft to bring hotel guests for a weekend getaway. The plan was to offer scenic flights over the area, with the plane returning to its base on Sunday. After just two trips, the venture was deemed financially unviable and was discontinued.
However, the arrival of the Dakota aircraft sparked considerable local interest. Word spread quickly, and soon, schoolchildren on bicycles would gather at the airfield to witness the Dakota’s landings. The pilots, impressed by the airstrip’s hard and smooth surface, reported favourably to South African Airways. This led to the airfield being included as a regular stop on the airline’s coastal route from Cape Town.
At that time, the airfield had no buildings or infrastructure. To manage the site, the airline enlisted the help of a pensioner who lived near the Cairn Brogie turnoff. It is said that he would ride his bicycle to the airfield ahead of the plane’s arrival to clear any cattle that might be grazing on the strip. In later years it predominantly serviced private and charter flights The airport’s history includes fluctuations in commercial flight operations, with different airlines adapting routes based on demand and economic conditions.
Throughout the years, the airport has undergone multiple upgrades and expansions to meet the demands of a growing number of passengers. Despite its modest size, it has significantly contributed to the region’s tourism and economic development, emerging as an important hub for tourists and residents seeking efficient access to the Garden Route.
Who we are
Plettenberg Bay Airport is proudly operated by GardenRoute.AERO, a subsidiary of rsa.AERO. rsa.AERO is a leader in the integration of airport and property development, bringing together a wealth of expertise across both sectors. The team excels in managing complex airport infrastructure projects, including runway refurbishments and regulatory compliance, while also delivering innovative property developments that balance environmental sustainability with economic viability.
With experience in public-private partnerships, phased infrastructure development, and strategic land use planning, rsa.AERO ensures that projects are scalable, financially sound, and aligned with environmental best practices.
With its foundation of strong leadership, the team is uniquely positioned to drive the airport’s success by blending these expertise. The airport team is led by their dynamic airport manager, who has the combination of skills to manage the airport with a strategic focus on operational excellence and sustainable growth.
The goal is to create a seamless travel experience for passengers while contributing to the economic development of the region and fostering connections between local and international destinations.