Cabinet has approved the transfer of international airport status from the Pilanesberg airport to the Mafikeng airport in the North West Province. Mafikeng airport is situated in close proximity to Mmabatho.

This transfer of status was requested by the provincial government. The provincial authorities are also hoping to finalise the development of an industrial development zone alongside the Mafikeng airport.  Some of the plans for the IDZ include a mineral beneficiation park and an agro-processing cluster.