“To build the busiest airport in the country” was an idea sparked by two aviation enthusiasts (Fanie Haacke and Abe Sher) in the 70’s. In 1974 the dream became a reality and work began to build Johannesburg’s alternative international airport, with a mere investment of R2,7 million. The residents of the area were not too excited about the prospect of getting a noisy airport on the boarders of their peaceful farming land. They formed a committee and protested against the development, which regularly made front page news. However, the Minister of Planning, Mr JJ Loots confirmed the need for a new airport on 6 June 1972, and said the new facility would rival the only other large airport at the time, Jan smuts. Just two years later, the airport opened its doors to privately operated aircraft.

Developed under the auspices of the then Krugersdorp and Roodepoort municipalities, Lanseria International Airport was awarded the international status.

In 1975 Lanseria International Airport was chosen to host Air Africa International '75 - a major event on the international aerospace calendar and a milestone in South African aviation history. For the first time, South African buyers were afforded the opportunity of being able to select the latest international aircraft and electronic equipment. Air demonstrations that were originally produced for air shows in Farnborough and Paris, now delighted thousands of spectators at Lanseria.

The success of the first air show spurred on another in 1977. More than R100 million rand worth of aircraft and equipment was on display at the Aviation Africa Show in October that year. A highlight of the air show was an exhibition by the South African Air Force, during which all types of aircraft in service would be put through their paces. The shows included the South African manufactured Mirage F-1. For the first time aircraft such as the Enstrom Shark and the revolutionary CSIR Autogyro helicopter was on display.

In 1977, The Department of Transport published several changes in regulations governing private and charter aircraft. “Lanseria International Airport is to be the new terminal for all flights to and from South Africa by visiting aircraft registered in foreign countries and engaged in carrying passengers or cargo to South Africa for remuneration”, the Gazette stated. The move took much needed pressure off the busy Jan Smuts Airport, so that it could “focus on major passenger flights.” Lanseria International Airport continued to grow and over the years became the home base for several commercial airlines that coloured the South African skies. Today it’s home to our top airline Fly Safair.

In 1990, Lanseria's co-owners, the Roodepoort and Krugersdorp Municipalities and the Transvaal Administrator, announced that the airport was to be sold. Tenders for the ownership and management of the airport were issued and the tender was awarded to a consortium of private investors in 1991.

When former President, Nelson Mandela, was released from prison in May 1990, he was flown to Johannesburg and the first time he set foot on Gauteng soil after such a long time, was onto the tarmac at Lanseria International Airport. The airport continues to be the first choice to welcome international guests, presidents and superstars into our country.

Lanseria International Airport was sold to a consortium of private investors

The Star newspaper reports (on 4 April, 1991) that the 300 ha airport will be turned into the “gateway to Africa” with a R50 million revamp. Later plans were put on hold, pending the outcome of a feasibility study. During 1991 Lanseria International Airport handled more than 108 000 aircraft movements and catered for more than 250 000 passengers. Many private and charter companies operated from Lanseria International Airport, using the airports 24-hour customs service and the many other facilities catering for pilots and passengers from all over the world.

By 1999, the continued growth was evident in the number of airline operators, passengers and freight volume utilising Lanseria Airport. The 27-year old terminal building was no longer able to meet this demand and an expansion programme started. In 2002 a larger main terminal building was completed along with an upgrade of all runways and taxiways.

February 2001 Lanseria International Airport retained its international status alongside nine other South African airports.

Refurbishment of the Main Terminal Building Upgrade of all runways, taxiways and technical area

In 2004 both runways and taxiways were lengthened and widened to accommodate bigger aircraft like the Boeing 757-300 and Airbus 319 aircraft. Ms Wrenelle Stander, Director-General of Transport opened the airports extensions.

LIA is purchased by a group that consisted of PAIDF, Nozala and the Government Employee Pension Fund.

Extension of the international side of the terminal building

Construction of the new runway and decommissioning of the old runway

New ATC Tower and RFFS complex Construction of the Multi-Storey Parkade (1 000 parking bays)