Comprehensive Guide to Airports and Airfields in South Africa: Contacts and Websites

May 21, 2024

Comprehensive Guide to Airports and Airfields in South Africa: Contacts and Websites

South Africa is a country of remarkable diversity, not only in its landscapes and culture but also in its air transport network. From bustling international hubs to serene private airstrips, South Africa's airports and airfields ensure seamless connectivity across the country. This guide provides detailed information on all significant airports and numerous smaller airfields, including their contact details and websites, organized by province.

Major International Airports

1. O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg, Gauteng)

O.R. Tambo International Airport is the primary gateway to South Africa and the busiest airport on the continent. It serves as a major hub for domestic and international travel.

Location: Kempton Park, Gauteng
IATA Code: JNB
Contact: +27 11 921 6262
Website: www.airports.co.za

2. Cape Town International Airport (Cape Town, Western Cape)

Cape Town International Airport is the second busiest airport in South Africa and a major tourist hub, providing access to the Cape's renowned attractions.

Location: Matroosfontein, Cape Town
IATA Code: CPT
Contact: +27 21 937 1200
Website: www.airports.co.za

3. King Shaka International Airport (Durban, KwaZulu-Natal)

Located in La Mercy, King Shaka International Airport serves the coastal city of Durban and the surrounding KwaZulu-Natal region.

Location: La Mercy, KwaZulu-Natal
IATA Code: DUR
Contact: +27 32 436 6758
Website: www.airports.co.za

Key Domestic Airports

4. Port Elizabeth International Airport (Gqeberha, Eastern Cape)

Port Elizabeth International Airport connects the city of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) to major South African cities.

Location: Walmer, Gqeberha
IATA Code: PLZ
Contact: +27 41 507 7319
Website: www.airports.co.za

5. East London Airport (East London, Eastern Cape)

This airport serves the Eastern Cape, providing vital links for travelers exploring the Wild Coast and Sunshine Coast.

Location: East London, Eastern Cape
IATA Code: ELS
Contact: +27 43 706 0306
Website: www.airports.co.za

6. George Airport (George, Western Cape)

George Airport is the gateway to the Garden Route and the Klein Karoo, offering easy access to some of South Africa’s most scenic landscapes.

Location: George, Western Cape
IATA Code: GRJ
Contact: +27 44 876 9310
Website: www.airports.co.za

7. Bram Fischer International Airport (Bloemfontein, Free State)

Serving the Free State province, Bram Fischer International Airport is named after the anti-apartheid activist Bram Fischer.

Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
IATA Code: BFN
Contact: +27 51 407 2200
Website: www.airports.co.za

Regional Airports

8. Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (Nelspruit, Mpumalanga)

Ideal for tourists heading to Kruger National Park, this airport offers convenient access to one of the world’s most famous game reserves.

Location: Nelspruit, Mpumalanga
IATA Code: MQP
Contact: +27 13 753 7500
Website: www.kmiairport.co.za

9. Lanseria International Airport (Lanseria, Gauteng)

Lanseria is a privately-owned airport in the north of Johannesburg, providing an alternative to O.R. Tambo International Airport for both domestic and regional flights.

Location: Lanseria, Gauteng
IATA Code: HLA
Contact: +27 11 367 0300
Website: www.lanseria.co.za

10. Upington International Airport (Upington, Northern Cape)

Known for its long runway, Upington International Airport serves the Northern Cape, facilitating large aircraft operations.

Location: Upington, Northern Cape
IATA Code: UTN
Contact: +27 54 337 7900
Website: www.airports.co.za

11. Kimberley Airport (Kimberley, Northern Cape)

Kimberley Airport connects the Northern Cape with other major South African cities and is crucial for regional travel.

Location: Kimberley, Northern Cape
IATA Code: KIM
Contact: +27 53 830 7103
Website: www.airports.co.za

12. Pietermaritzburg Airport (Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal)

Pietermaritzburg Airport offers regional flights, connecting the city with major hubs like Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Location: Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
IATA Code: PZB
Contact: +27 33 386 9285
Website: www.airports.co.za

13. Richards Bay Airport (Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal)

This airport serves the industrial city of Richards Bay and the surrounding coastal areas, supporting both passenger and cargo flights.

Location: Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal
IATA Code: RCB
Contact: +27 35 786 0600
Website: www.airports.co.za

14. Polokwane International Airport (Polokwane, Limpopo)

Polokwane International Airport is the primary airport for Limpopo, facilitating travel to and from this northern province.

Location: Polokwane, Limpopo
IATA Code: PTG
Contact: +27 15 288 0122
Website: www.airports.co.za

Smaller Airports and Airfields

15. Margate Airport (Margate, KwaZulu-Natal)

Margate Airport serves the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, providing connectivity for both tourists and residents.

Location: Margate, KwaZulu-Natal
IATA Code: MGH
Contact: +27 39 312 8392
Website: www.airports.co.za

16. Mthatha Airport (Mthatha, Eastern Cape)

Located in the Eastern Cape, Mthatha Airport connects this region with Johannesburg and other major cities.

Location: Mthatha, Eastern Cape
IATA Code: UTT
Contact: +27 47 536 0100
Website: www.airports.co.za

17. Hoedspruit Air Force Base Airport (Hoedspruit, Limpopo)

This airport serves both military and civilian flights, providing access to the Kruger National Park and the surrounding areas.

Location: Hoedspruit, Limpopo
IATA Code: HDS
Contact: +27 15 799 2000
Website: www.airports.co.za

18. Sishen Airport (Sishen, Northern Cape)

Sishen Airport supports the mining operations in the Northern Cape and provides flights to major South African cities.

Location: Sishen, Northern Cape
IATA Code: SIS
Contact: +27 53 739 5341
Website: www.airports.co.za

19. Phalaborwa Airport (Phalaborwa, Limpopo)

Phalaborwa Airport offers access to the Kruger National Park and serves the Limpopo region.

Location: Phalaborwa, Limpopo
IATA Code: PHW
Contact: +27 15 781 3600
Website: www.airports.co.za

20. Plettenberg Bay Airport (Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape)

Serving the Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay Airport is essential for tourists visiting this scenic part of South Africa.

Location: Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape
IATA Code: PBZ
Contact: +27 44 501 5310
Website: www.airports.co.za

21. Springbok Airport (Springbok, Northern Cape)

Springbok Airport provides air services for the Namaqualand region, known for its seasonal wildflower displays.

Location: Springbok, Northern Cape
IATA Code: SBU
Contact: +27 27 718 8160
Website: www.airports.co.za

Private and Small Airfields

22. Skukuza Airport (Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga)

Skukuza Airport is the main airstrip within the Kruger National Park, facilitating easy access for tourists.

Location: Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga
IATA Code: SZK
Contact: +27 13 735 5638
Website: www.skulukasza.co.za

23. Mala Mala Airport (Mala Mala Game Reserve, Mpumalanga)

This private airstrip serves the exclusive Mala Mala Game Reserve, providing access to luxury safari experiences.

Location: Mala Mala Game Reserve, Mpumalanga
IATA Code: AAM
Contact: +27 13 735 9200
Website: www.malamala.com

24. Ulusaba Airstrip (Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga)

Ulusaba Airstrip is used by guests visiting Richard Branson's Ulusaba Private Game Reserve.

Location: Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga
IATA Code: ULX
Contact: +27 13 735 5195
Website: www.ulusaba.com

25. Thanda Private Game Reserve Airstrip (Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal)

This private airstrip serves Thanda Safari Lodge, offering direct access to luxury safari accommodations.

Location: Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal
Contact: +27 35 573 1899
Website: www.thanda.com

26. Madikwe Airstrip (Madikwe Game Reserve, North West)

Madikwe Airstrip provides access to the Madikwe Game Reserve, known for its Big Five safaris.

Location: Madikwe Game Reserve, North West
IATA Code: MBD
Contact: +27 18 350 9902
Website: www.madikwegamereserve.co.za

Conclusion

South Africa’s extensive network of airports and airfields ensures that travelers can reach even the most remote parts of the country with ease. Whether you're flying into a major international airport or a smaller regional airfield, you can expect efficient service and connectivity.

For more detailed information and to plan your travel, visit the respective airport websites or contact them directly. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview to assist you in navigating your way through South Africa's aviation landscape.

Safe travels and enjoy your journey through South Africa!

May 21, 2024