Bram Fischer International Airport

Bram Fischer International Airport is not merely an air gateway to the Free State province, but a vital transport hub playing a key role in the region's economy. Opened in 1961, the airport initially bore the name of the city, but in 2012 it was renamed in honour of Bram Fischer — a renowned lawyer and anti-apartheid activist. Today, it serves as a link between Bloemfontein and the business centres of South Africa, as well as the neighbouring Kingdom of Lesotho. The airport shares runways with the Bloemspruit Air Force Base, adding to its strategic importance.

Despite its relatively small size, Bram Fischer Airport offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable journey. The terminal houses a tourist information desk, ATMs, several shops, and a restaurant where one can have a snack while waiting for a flight. A dedicated lounge is available for business class passengers. A unique feature is the presence of a fully equipped Busamed hospital on the airport grounds. Its convenient location on the N8 transport corridor ensures easy access to the airport for both city residents and travellers heading to other regions.

To contact representatives of Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN), you may use the following contact details. Please note that the airport is managed by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), so some contact channels may be shared across the entire airport network.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the airport's official website: www.airports.co.za
• Help Desk Phone: +27 51 407 2200
• Address: Rayton, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
• Email: For email enquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form available on the official ACSA website, as a direct email for general questions is not provided.
• Social Media: Official news and updates are published on the management company ACSA's social media pages, such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's Lost and Found service directly. Airline representative contacts are usually found on your boarding pass or their official website.
• Passenger Support Service: For general information and support, you can call the airport help desk at the number listed above.

Getting to Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN), located approximately 10 kilometres from the centre of Bloemfontein, is quite simple. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose from several convenient options. The trip from the city centre usually takes 15 to 25 minutes, but it is always advisable to allow extra time in case of traffic congestion.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services
This is the most popular and convenient way to reach the airport. Both traditional taxi services and international ride-hailing apps, such as Uber, operate in the city. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during peak hours. A taxi ride will cost more than public transport but ensures comfort and "door-to-door" delivery. If you use a local taxi service, agree on the fare before the trip begins.

Transfers and Shuttles
Many hotels in Bloemfontein offer paid or complimentary airport transfers to their guests. Check for this option when booking your accommodation. Additionally, private companies in the city provide shuttle services — minibuses operating on specific routes or by individual order. This can be a more budget-friendly option than a taxi, especially if you are travelling alone.

Car Rental
If you plan to travel extensively around South Africa, renting a car is an excellent choice. Offices of most major international and local rental companies are present at Bram Fischer Airport. You can rent a car upon arrival or book online in advance. The road to the airport from the city centre is well-signposted. This option offers maximum freedom of movement but involves additional costs for fuel and insurance.

Airport Parking
For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, short-term and long-term parking facilities are provided. Parking zones are located in immediate proximity to the terminal, making them very convenient to use. Rates depend on the duration of the stay.

Public Transport
Direct regular public transport routes (buses, trains) from the city centre to Bram Fischer Airport are currently limited or non-existent. Therefore, tourists are advised to rely on taxis, shuttles, or car rentals to ensure guaranteed and timely arrival for their flight.

Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN) is distinguished by its compactness and convenience, making it particularly attractive for travellers who value simplicity and speed. You will not have to worry about complex transfers and long corridors, as the airport consists of one terminal that serves both domestic and international flights.

The terminal structure is intuitive. Arrival and departure zones are located in the same building, making navigation extremely simple. Immediately after entering, you find yourself in the main hall, where airline check-in counters and car rental kiosks are located. After check-in, passengers proceed to the security screening area, which leads to a small but comfortable departure lounge with several boarding gates. The arrival area with baggage claim belts is also located on the ground floor and has a separate exit.

One of the main advantages of Bram Fischer Airport is the speed of completing all formalities. Due to the lower passenger volume compared to major hubs, flight check-in and security screening usually take significantly less time. Nevertheless, for domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1.5 hours before departure, and for international flights — at least 2 hours, to avoid any unforeseen delays.

Since all functional zones — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are within walking distance of each other, no special means of transport within the terminal are required. Signage is clear and understandable, so getting lost here is practically impossible, even if you are visiting the airport for the first time.

The history of Bram Fischer International Airport began in 1962. Initially, it bore the name J. B. M. Hertzog Airport and was built to replace the old Tempe airfield. From its earliest days, the airport served a dual function: catering to civil aviation while simultaneously serving as home to the South African Air Force Base Bloemspruit, which is located here to this day.

The airport received a significant boost in development ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. South Africa hosted this global tournament, and Bloemfontein was one of the host cities. In connection with this, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out: the terminal was expanded and modernised, and infrastructure was updated to welcome a large number of international fans. This allowed the airport to reach a new level of passenger service.

A pivotal event in the airport's recent history occurred on 13 December 2012, when it was officially renamed Bram Fischer International Airport. The new name was given in honour of the famous anti-apartheid activist and lawyer Bram Fischer, who hailed from this province. This gesture became a tribute to one of the key figures in the country's history.

Today, Bram Fischer Airport represents a modern transport hub playing a key role in connecting the central part of the country with other regions. Thanks to timely modernisations, it successfully handles domestic and a limited number of international flights, serving as the main air gateway of the Free State province.

Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the terminal is designed to make your stay here as convenient and pleasant as possible.

At the airport, you will find several cafes and restaurants where you can have a full lunch or a quick snack before departure. There are also shops where you can purchase essentials, newspapers, books, and souvenirs to remember your trip to Bloemfontein.

For those who value enhanced comfort, the airport features a VIP Lounge (Bidvest Premier Lounge). Here, passengers can relax in silence, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, read the latest press, or work in a quiet atmosphere. The lounge is also equipped with a business corner and conference facilities for business meetings.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones or attend to work matters. Special charging stations located in the waiting lounges are provided for recharging electronic devices.

Financial services are represented by ATMs and currency exchange bureaus, where you can easily withdraw cash or exchange money. In case of need, passengers can seek first aid at a dedicated medical point.

The airport cares for the comfort of all categories of travellers. Mother and child rooms are equipped for passengers with children. A barrier-free environment has been created for people with reduced mobility: there are ramps, lifts, and specially equipped restrooms. Assistance services can be requested if necessary.

Although there are no hotels directly within the terminal building, numerous hotels and guest houses to suit every taste and budget are located a few minutes' drive away. They can be reached by taxi or shuttle.

Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN) offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal before departure. Although the selection of establishments here is not as extensive as in major international hubs, you will easily find a place to refresh yourself.

Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the main terminal building, in the public area (landside), before security control. This is convenient if you are seeing someone off or have arrived at the airport well in advance. Usually, there is a restaurant offering both hot meals and light snacks, as well as a coffee shop where you can order fresh pastries, sandwiches, and aromatic coffee. After passing security (airside) in the departure zone, the choice is generally more limited and may be confined to a small cafe or kiosk with beverages and snacks.

For a quick snack, local coffee shops are ideal for grabbing a coffee and a sandwich to go. If you have time for a full lunch or dinner, it is worth visiting the restaurant in the main part of the terminal. The menu often includes international dishes (burgers, salads, pasta) as well as elements of South African cuisine. Do not miss the opportunity to try local snacks, such as biltong (dried cured meat), if available for sale.

Regarding special dietary requirements, basic vegetarian options will likely be available. However, finding certified Halal, vegan, or gluten-free dishes might be more challenging. It is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff at the establishment. Prices at the airport correspond to the average level for such locations. Opening hours are usually aligned with flight schedules, starting from early morning until the last evening departure.

To ensure your journey through Bram Fischer International Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of these proven tips. The airport in Bloemfontein is relatively small and convenient, but proper preparation is always beneficial.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights within South Africa, which constitute the majority of departures from this airport, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is sufficient for calmly checking in luggage, passing security control, and boarding. To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by almost all airlines. This way, you can head straight to baggage drop or, if travelling light, to the security checkpoint.

Security and Hand Luggage. The screening procedure is standard. Pack all liquids (shampoos, gels, creams) in advance in containers of no more than 100 ml and place them in a single transparent bag. Laptops and other large electronics must be removed from bags. It is strictly forbidden to carry weapons, sharp objects, and explosive substances in hand luggage. To speed up the process, prepare everything necessary in advance.

Seat Selection and Transfers. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat will offer you beautiful views of the vast Free State province during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat provides more freedom of movement. If you have a connecting flight, do not worry — thanks to the compact size of Bram Fischer Airport, navigation here is simple. Immediately after arrival, check the information board to find the number of your next boarding gate.

Customs Control. Since most flights in Bloemfontein are domestic, you will likely not need to pass customs control. It is mandatory only for passengers arriving from outside the Southern African Customs Union. In this case, you will need to fill out a declaration and possibly present goods for inspection.

Savings and Unforeseen Situations. To save money, book flight tickets and airport parking online in advance. Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — it can be filled at drinking fountains after passing security. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and possible compensation (meals, accommodation). Use this time to relax in a cafe or use the free Wi-Fi in the terminal.