16 Nov 2020

Maun International Airport renovation project is expected to address some of the challenges faced by the aviation industry in Botswana.

The project is expected to address among others overcrowding at the check-in area and departure halls, poor flight information displays and poor security control.

Prior to the project, the airport had no clear distinction between concourse and check-in. The challenges also included no baggage collection area, lack of suitable parking for cars, lack of baggage claim space and public address system, among others.

Briefing the media after a tour to appreciate the project, the project manager, Mr Mark Skelton explained that the first phase of project was on track despite delays caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

He however said due to the pandemic, the  project was stopped for three months but rapid progress was made when works resumed in June because of lack of air traffic.

The project, which was awarded to Royal Haskoning DHV company at the tune of over P120 million, commenced at the end of April 2019.

The original scope of work would be completed on November 28 while the new entrance lobby is expected to be completed in March 2021.

Mr Skelton stated that some of the problems in the old building required urgent attention hence they fast-tracked the project to ensure that it matched the standard of airports.

Currently, Mr Skelton said most of the works had been completed citing roads and parking site, new baggage handling, international departure lounge, screening machines, international arrival hall, customs area and provision of space for refreshment vendors.

He also mentioned that they had increased counters and would soon install electronic system, and provide new improved flight information screens which would be displaying information on the departure and arrival of airplanes.

Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) public relations and communications manager, Mr Modipe Nkwe appreciated the project saying it was on the right track despite the delays encountered.

The progress of this ambitious project, he said would position the North West District ahead in the region in terms of air access.

The project, he said had achieved a lot such as provision of meet and greet areas, enlarged halls, separation of domestic and international pax for security screening, provision of new ablution blocks on different sections of the terminal building and expansion of international and domestic baggage areas with new belts just to mention a few.

The CAAB spokesperson said Maun airport needed renovation as it was the only facility out of the four airports in the country which was not revamped except the extension of the runaway in 2011 and construction of the new tower in 2013 while the terminal building remained.

Mr Nkwe also noted that the facility needed renovation because it was one of the busiest airports in the Southern Africa region adding that in Botswana, Maun airport was the busiest in terms of take offs and landing.

Maun, he said was the gateway to the famous Okavango Delta and most of the air traffic into and out of Maun consists of light aircraft flights which fly into delta.

 An average of six light aircraft flights are generated at Maun from the arrival of every scheduled aircraft at the airport, he said emphasizing that this meant  a busy runaway.

Mr Nkwe said this had resulted in congestion hence the need to revamp the facility into a wide and friendly airport.

He was optimistic that it would now handle the amount of traffic.

Mr Nkwe pointed out that the nature of the airport facilities required was determined by the air and passenger traffic into and out of the airport.

The air traffic, he said was generated from both domestic and international sources adding that it was mainly tourist related. Ends