Wonderboom National Airport - PRY Pretoria
Wonderboom National Airport was established on a Wonderboom farm in Pretoria, South Africa in 1937. However, its history dates back to as early as the 1910s during World War I (WWI) when a small airstrip began operating west of Silverton. After the war, civil aviation flourished and the airfield became known as the Silverton or Koedoespoort aerodrome. It rose to prominence when Pierre van Ryneveld and Quentin Brand first landed in South Africa with a two-seater biplane, Voortrekker. It was the first flight from London to Cape Town. Today, the landing spot is considered a heritage site. The airport expanded to its current site in 1937. It served as a military training ground during WWII.
Best Time to Visit
Post-war, PRY-Wonderboom National Airport picked up, and worked on several improvements in its facilities and services. In the 1990s, its runways extended to accommodate larger freight aircrafts. It has two (2) runways, one measuring 4,200’ long and another measuring 6,000’ long. Today, the airport is publicly owned and managed by Tshwane City. In 2012, it applied for international status. In 2016, the airport celebrated its 80th anniversary. During this year, scheduled flights between Pretoria and Cape Town were launched, in collaboration with Airlink. It also rebranded and introduced a new logo in 2016. Popular cities nearby include Melrose, Lynnwood, Centurion, Vaal Marina, and Alberton.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Nearby accommodation options are unlimited in Wonderboom National Airport (PRY). You can stay at the Green Valley Lodge, and the Edelweiss Corporate Guest House, among others.
There are lots of airport serving Pretoria and its surrounding cities, such as the GJC-Grand Central Airport, which is about 38 km away; and Johannesburg International Airport, which is 66 km away from PRY airport.
