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

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.

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.

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!