The once-proud Welkom Airport was operational by 1949. Although it was at first classed as a private airport, it did not take long before it became one of the busiest airports in the country.
By November 1949, 82 airplanes had landed on its tarmac strip. In July 1950, the monthly figure had increased to 182.
The total amount of airplanes which had used the airport by February 1952, totalled 4 500.
The number kept growing.
By 1956 there was a monthly average of 700 passengers and 45 tonnes of freight that was transported to and from Welkom city’s airport.
Although the tower and main building are a bit forlorn, the runway is still used daily. – Desirée Lourens: “People of the Sand,” Vol. 1; and the WelkomCity Stad Facebook page.
