Lanseria International Airport (IATA: HLA, ICAO: FALA) is a privately owned international airport situated north of Randburg and Sandton, northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa. It is located at the north-western edge of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, specifically south-west of Centurion and Pretoria.
History and Development
Lanseria Airport started out as a grass strip airfield in 1972, the brainchild of two Pretoria pilots: Fanie Haacke and Abe Sher. Factors such as connectivity to residential areas, suitable land surface for long runways, good landing approach, extent of smog, identification of smog-free zones and open spaces for forced landing were considered during the selection of the site. The municipalities of Krugersdorp and Roodepoort, along with the Transvaal Peri-Urban Board, acquired the site and leased it to the then formed Lanseria Management Company for a period of 99 years.
The airport was officially opened by the Minister of Transport at the time, Hannes Rall, on 16 August 1974. The international status of all South African airports was evaluated in February 2001. In 2012, the airport was sold to a consortium of Harith, a Pan African Infrastructure Development Fund company, Black Economic Empowerment consortium (consortium includes the women’s empowerment company Nozala), the Government Employee Pension Fund (GEPF) and the Public Investment Corporation (PIC).
Facilities and Infrastructure
The growth of the airport as a low-cost alternative to the O.R. Tambo International Airport has attracted a varying number of operators, passengers, and freight handlers. The existing 27-year-old terminal building and the corresponding infrastructure were unable to cope with the increasing traffic that was experienced. A larger terminal building was, therefore, constructed in 2002. In May 2010, the domestic departure lounge was expanded and renovated, so as to accommodate increasing airline demands and passenger traffic. Self-service kiosk check-in systems were installed to speed up the check-in process inside the terminal in early 2012. Outdated signage systems were replaced with advanced LED signage systems at check-in counters inside the terminal.
Runways
Lanseria International Airport has two runways:
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- 06L/24R: 2,918m long and 30m wide.
- 06R/24L: 1,760m in length and 23m wide.
On 11 November 2013, the airport opened its new 45-meter-wide 07/25 Runway and also closed the existing 30-meter-wide 06/24 runway. Runway 07 is equipped with ILS CAT I and is directed at 047° east of true north.
Airlines and Destinations
Lanseria International Airport serves as an alternative air connection to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa. The airport acts as a major hub for Air Botswana, Kulula, Mango and Fly Go-Air airlines. Lanseria airport is considered as a low-cost alternative to Johannesburg's O R Tambo International Airport. The airport provides charter, domestic and international services. Lanseria international airport is referred to as the businessman's airport due to the availability of business class facilities.
Safair is expanding its Johannesburg Lanseria network with new routes starting in November 2025. Safair is adding Lanseria - George route from March 2025.
Future Developments
Upgrade plans have been unveiled in July 2024. New facilities is to include Fixed Base Operator and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities. Taxiway Alpha is also to be upgraded and will enable the airport to accommodate larger aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330. According to the Mayor, Lanseria's management is considering the name change as part of a broader effort to elevate its status and strengthen its brand.
Lanseria International Airport with it's masterplan
Air Traffic Control and Navigation
The air traffic control and navigation of the airport is managed by the Air Traffic and Navigation Services Africa (ATNS). Navigation is controlled by VOR/DME and ILS systems. The ATC tower works at a frequency of 124MHz with the ground frequency fixed at 121.65MHz.
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Parking
Lanseria International Airport’s parking lot is located close to the main terminal and has 2,187 parking spaces.
Incidents
- 8 October 1977 - During Airshow Africa '77 - a Britten-Norman Trislander performed a wing-over but had insufficient altitude to recover and the aircraft impacted the runway, bounced into the air and came to rest 500 m to the side of the runway. The flying controls were disabled and main gear detached. One wing engine detached.
- 2 October 1993 - An Impala Mark I (no. 489) of the SAAF Silver Falcons aerobatic team crashed after suffering separation of the right wing during a performance at the Lanseria Airshow.
Attractions around Lanseria, Gauteng
O.R. Nestled in the heart of Gauteng, Lanseria is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and thrilling adventures. This charming region is perfect for both locals and tourists looking to explore the authentic South African experience. One of the must-visit attractions is the Cultural Village, where you can immerse yourself in traditional African culture and wildlife. For those interested in history, the Human Origins Tour provides a fascinating journey through human evolution at the Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng Centre. Nature enthusiasts will love the scenic landscapes and the opportunity to explore the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Top attractions in Lanseria include the Lion & Safari Park, Cradle of Humankind, and the Hartbeespoort Dam. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hot air ballooning, quad biking, and zip-lining.
Travel Information
Here is some useful information for travelers visiting Lanseria:
- Best time to visit: during the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) months.
- Distance from Johannesburg: approximately 40 kilometers. You can drive via the N14 highway, which takes about 45 minutes.
- Safety: Lanseria is generally safe for tourists, but it's always advisable to take standard precautions.
- Accommodation: Lanseria offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges and guesthouses to budget-friendly hotels.
- Visa requirements: depend on your nationality.
- Local cuisine: In Lanseria, you should try local South African dishes such as biltong, boerewors, and bobotie.
- Health: It's recommended to have routine vaccinations up to date.
- Payment: Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Lanseria.
Key Facts About Lanseria International Airport
Here is a table summarizing key information about Lanseria International Airport:
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | HLA |
| ICAO Code | FALA |
| Location | North of Randburg and Sandton, northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Runway 06L/24R Length | 2,918 meters |
| Runway 06L/24R Width | 30 meters |
| Runway 06R/24L Length | 1,760 meters |
| Runway 06R/24L Width | 23 meters |
| Parking Spaces | 2,187 |
Lanseria International Airport continues to evolve, playing a crucial role in South Africa's aviation landscape and offering a strategic alternative to O.R. Tambo International Airport.
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