Saint Helena Airport

Saint Helena Airport is not merely an air gateway, but a true bridge connecting one of the world's most remote inhabited islands with the mainland. Opened for commercial flights on 14 October 2017, it ended centuries of isolation when the only way to reach the island was a long five-day sea voyage from Cape Town. Located in the Longwood district, this modern airport has become a symbol of a new era for the island, opening it up to tourism and significantly simplifying life for the local population. Despite initial challenges related to wind conditions, today the airport successfully receives flights, serving as a vital transport artery.

The main feature and merit of Saint Helena Airport is its key role in the island's accessibility. The advent of air travel radically changed logistics, reducing travel time from several days to just a few hours. The airport is equipped with a modern terminal and is capable of handling narrow-body aircraft, such as the Embraer E190, which were selected taking into account the specific local wind conditions. Despite its reputation as one of the most challenging airports in the world due to wind shear issues, it has proven its reliability and safety. For travellers, this is a unique opportunity to quickly and comfortably reach one of the most secluded and fascinating places on the planet, which was previously accessible to only a few.

• Official Website: For the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations, please visit the official airport web resource — sthelenaairport.com.
• Help Desk Phone: You can contact airport representatives at: +290 25100.
• Address: St Helena Airport, Saint Helena Island, STHL 1ZZ, South Atlantic Ocean.
• Email: For written enquiries, please use the address: enquiries@sthelenaairport.com.
• Social Media: The airport maintains a Facebook page where news and operational updates are published.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, passengers should contact their airline representatives directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and support, please use the main telephone number or the airport's email address.

Getting to Saint Helena Airport (HLE), the island's only air gateway, can be done in several ways. Given the unique geography and terrain of Saint Helena, planning your transfer in advance is a key element of a comfortable journey. The trip from the capital, Jamestown, to the airport usually takes about 20-30 minutes.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. There is a bus service on the island connecting major settlements. Some routes may be linked to flight arrival and departure schedules. However, it is extremely important to check the current schedule in advance on official resources, as it may be irregular and not always cover the needs of all passengers. This method is suitable for light travellers wishing to economise.

Taxis and Private Transfers are the most convenient and reliable way to get to the airport. Several licensed taxi drivers and companies offering transfer services operate on the island. We strongly recommend booking a car in advance, especially if you are arriving on the island. This guarantees that you will be met upon arrival and comfortably transported to your hotel or guest house. The cost will be higher than the bus, but the comfort and predictability justify the expense.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those who value independence and plan to actively explore the island. You can rent a car for the duration of your stay and drive yourself to the airport for your flight. Please bear in mind that the roads on the island are narrow, winding, with left-hand traffic and steep gradients, which requires increased concentration from the driver. However, this option provides maximum freedom of movement. There is a parking area at the airport where you can leave your vehicle.

Saint Helena Airport (HLE) is a modern yet very compact aviation hub, designed with a small passenger flow in mind. Its structure is extremely simple and intuitive, even for those travelling for the first time.

The airport operates with just one passenger terminal, which handles absolutely all flights — both arrivals and departures. Thanks to this, you will not have to worry about transfers between buildings or complex navigation schemes. All key zones are located under one roof, just a few steps away from each other.

The terminal layout is logical and simple. Upon entry, you find yourself in the general hall where the check-in counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers proceed to the security control zone, beyond which lies a small but comfortable departure lounge. The arrival zone is separated from the departure zone and includes passport control counters, a baggage reclaim belt, and a customs point. The entire path from the aircraft steps to the terminal exit takes minimal time.

Despite its compactness, the airport handles international flights, so it is recommended to arrive well in advance — at least 2 hours before departure. However, the check-in and screening process usually happens quickly, without long queues. Navigation within the terminal poses no difficulties: it is sufficient to follow the few signs to orient yourself easily. This makes the experience at Saint Helena Airport maximally calm and comfortable.

The history of Saint Helena Airport (HLE) is a modern saga of engineering, perseverance, and connecting one of the most remote corners of the world with the rest of the planet. For a long time, the only way to reach Saint Helena was a multi-day sea voyage, making the idea of air travel a cherished dream for locals and potential tourists.

The construction of the airport became one of the most ambitious and complex engineering projects in the island's history. After massive landscape levelling works on the Prosperous Bay Plain, the airport was officially opened in 2016. However, its launch was overshadowed by a serious problem: during test flights, dangerous wind shear was detected on the approach to the runway. This led to a delay in the start of regular commercial flights and spawned the nickname "the world's most useless airport" in the global press.

Despite the difficulties, after additional research, pilot training, and the development of special landing procedures, the airport finally received its first regular commercial flight on 14 October 2017. This day became historic for the island, marking the end of the era of dependence on the Royal Mail Ship "St Helena" (RMS St Helena) and the beginning of a new era of accessibility. Since then, the airport, located near the capital Jamestown, provides a vital link, serving not only tourist but also medical and cargo flights.

Interesting fact: to build the runway, it was necessary to move about 8 million cubic metres of rock, filling an entire valley with it. Saint Helena Airport cannot boast passenger traffic records, but its main achievement is its very existence, which has radically changed life on the island, opening it to the world and giving its residents the freedom of movement they could previously only dream of.

Saint Helena Airport (HLE) is a modern but compact air terminal offering passengers a set of essential services for a comfortable wait. It is important to understand that due to the small size of the airport and the limited number of flights, the infrastructure here is not as extensive as in major international hubs.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops: Inside the terminal, there is a small cafe where you can order light snacks, sandwiches, pastries, as well as hot and cold beverages. This is an excellent place to have a bite before departure. Additionally, there is a small shop offering souvenirs, local artisan crafts, and essential goods. The assortment is limited, so for extensive shopping, it is better to allocate time in Jamestown.

Wi-Fi and Lounges: A general waiting hall is available to passengers. There are no specialised VIP lounges or business lounges at the airport. Wi-Fi access may be provided in the terminal building, however, the service may be chargeable or time-limited. There are points for charging electronic devices, but their number may be small, so it is recommended to carry a portable charger.

Financial Services and Others: Bank services and full-service currency exchange points are generally absent at the airport. It is strongly recommended to exchange money for Saint Helena Pounds (SHP) in advance at a bank in Jamestown. There is a first aid point on the airport territory to provide basic medical support in emergency situations.

Facilities for Special Categories of Passengers: The airport is equipped with basic amenities for passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms. For passengers with small children, there are mother and child rooms with changing tables.

Hotels and Business Services: There are no hotels directly at the airport or within walking distance. All accommodation options are located in other parts of the island. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are also not provided in the terminal.

Saint Helena Airport (HLE) is a modern but very compact airport, and the choice of dining establishments here corresponds to its size. Options for a snack or a full meal are limited, so it is worth planning your time with this in mind.

The main and, essentially, the only place for dining at the airport is the cafe located in the terminal building. It is situated in the public zone (landside), before passing security control. This means that it can be used by both departing and arriving passengers, as well as those seeing them off. The cafe is open only on flight arrival and departure days, usually a few hours before the flight departs and for some time after the aircraft arrives.

The cafe menu offers a basic set of dishes and beverages, ideal for passing the time while waiting for a flight. Here you can order coffee, tea, soft drinks, as well as light snacks such as sandwiches, pastries, and snacks. More substantial hot dishes are often available as well. If you are lucky, you might try something from the local cuisine — for example, the island-famous fishcakes or dishes made from fresh tuna. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the gastronomy of Saint Helena one last time before departure.

Regarding special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes, their availability is not guaranteed. The selection is likely to be very limited. It is recommended to check available options with the staff on-site. The price range in the cafe can be characterised as moderate by island standards.

Thus, the sole cafe at Saint Helena Airport serves as a universal solution for both a quick snack and a full lunch before a flight. Given the limited offering, passengers with strict dietary requirements may find it advisable to bring food with them.

Travelling to Saint Helena is a unique experience, and knowing the specifics of the local airport will help make it as comfortable as possible. Saint Helena Airport (HLE) is small but modern, and a few tips will help you orient yourself.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Despite the modest size of the airport, it is recommended to arrive 2–3 hours before departure. This time is sufficient to check in for the flight, drop off luggage, and pass security control without rushing. Procedures here take place calmly, without the bustle of large airports, but it is better to have a time buffer.

Seat Selection. This is one of the most important tips! The landing on Saint Helena is considered one of the most scenic in the world. To enjoy breathtaking views of the rocky coastline and the capital, Jamestown, try to book a window seat during check-in. Especially successful shots are often obtained from the left side of the aircraft (seats A) during the landing approach.

Hand Luggage and Customs. Standard international rules apply to hand luggage: liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, and a ban on sharp objects. Pay special attention to the island's customs regulations: strict phytosanitary standards apply here. Be sure to declare all food products, plants, and seeds to avoid fines. It is better to familiarise yourself with the official list of permitted and prohibited goods for import in advance.

Transfers and Savings. Saint Helena Airport is not a transit hub, so all transfers take place at other airports (for example, in Johannesburg). Check transit rules and baggage allowances with your airline in advance to avoid extra charges. To save money, you can bring non-perishable snacks with you, as the selection at the airport and on the island may be limited and more expensive.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay? Weather conditions, especially strong winds, can make adjustments to the flight schedule. Flight delays are not uncommon. For this case, be sure to take out travel insurance covering such risks. Keep in touch with the airline representative, have your hotel contacts and a small supply of cash with you. Given the limited amenities in the terminal, stock up on patience, a book, or downloaded films.