East London Airport

East London Airport, officially renamed King Phalo Airport in 2021, serves as the main aerial gateway not only for the city of the same name but also for the entire picturesque Sunshine Coast of South Africa. This small yet strategically important transport hub plays a key role in the economic and tourism life of the Eastern Cape province. Located on the shores of the Indian Ocean, the airport is an ideal starting point for travelers eager to explore the region's famous beaches and natural beauty.

Despite its compact size, East London Airport offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable start or end to their journey. The single terminal houses check-in counters, several shops, cafés, ATMs, and car rental offices. The airport handles approximately 20-30 daily flights, connecting the region with the country's major cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Its convenient location allows travelers to quickly reach both the city's business center and popular resort areas, including Nahoon and Gonubie beaches, making it the perfect gateway for exploring this scenic coastline.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for East London Airport (ELS). If you have any questions, you can contact airport representatives via one of the following methods:

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the official airport website, which is part of the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) portal.
• Helpdesk Phone: For immediate information, you can call the number: +27 43 706 0306.
• Airport Address: Settlers Way, Gately, East London, 5201, South Africa.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can contact ACSA customer support at: customercare@airports.co.za.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on ACSA's official social media pages, such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost or damaged luggage, you should primarily contact your airline's representative at the airport. Staff at the airport information desk can also assist you in finding the right office.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and passenger assistance, use the main airport helpdesk number: +27 43 706 0306.

East London Airport (ELS) is located just 10 kilometers from the city's business center, making the journey there quick and convenient. Depending on the chosen transport and traffic conditions, a trip from the center of East London usually takes from 15 to 25 minutes. Below are the main ways to reach the terminal.

Taxis and Shuttle Services — the most popular and reliable way to get to the airport. You can use official taxis stationed at hotels and in the city center, or book a private transfer in advance. Many hotels also offer their own shuttles for guests. The cost of a trip typically ranges from 150 to 250 South African Rand (ZAR), making this option the most comfortable, especially if you are traveling with a lot of luggage.

Car Rental — an excellent choice for those who value independence and plan to explore the picturesque coast and surroundings in South Africa. Several major international and local rental agencies operate in the city. You can rent a car in the center of East London and easily return it to the company's office right at the airport before departure. This allows you to save on taxi fares and plan your time freely.

Public Transport options for traveling to the airport are quite limited. There are no direct bus routes from the city center to the airport. Although minibus taxis operate around the city, they are not always convenient for tourists due to the lack of a fixed schedule and dedicated luggage space. For a predictable and comfortable journey, it is recommended to opt for a taxi or shuttle.

For travelers arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicles, convenient parking is available. The premises feature zones for short-term parking (for dropping off or picking up passengers) and long-term parking. The cost of short-term parking starts at approximately 20 ZAR for the first hour, while leaving a car for a day will cost on average 80–150 ZAR. All parking zones are within walking distance of the main terminal.

East London Airport (ELS) is a compact and modern air hub that primarily serves domestic flights within South Africa. Its structure is simple and intuitive, making it convenient for passengers and eliminating the need for complex navigation.

A key feature of the airport is its single main terminal, which handles both arriving and departing flights. Thanks to this, travelers need not worry about complicated transfers or searching for the right building. All essential services and zones are located in one place, significantly simplifying orientation.

The terminal layout is logical and well-organized. The ground floor usually houses airline check-in counters and the baggage claim area for arriving passengers. After checking in for a flight, passengers proceed to the first floor, where the security checkpoint and the departure lounge with boarding gates are located. Clear signs in English help you easily find the correct gate, café, or shop.

Check-in and security procedures at East London Airport generally proceed quite quickly due to its small size and moderate passenger flow. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight departure to complete all formalities without rushing, especially during peak hours. Overall, navigating the airport will not cause difficulties even for those visiting for the first time — everything is within walking distance.

The history of East London Airport (ELS) begins in 1927, when it was founded as a small municipal airfield called Collondale Airport. In its early years, it primarily served postal and private flights, playing a modest but important role in the development of the region's transport network.

A significant turn in the airport's history occurred during World War II, when it was placed under the management of the South African Air Force and used as a training base for pilots. After the war ended, the airport returned to civilian use, and a new phase of development began. In 1966, a new terminal was built, and the airport was renamed Ben Schoeman, in honor of the then-Minister of Transport. This event marked its transformation into an important regional transport hub.

The next major modernization took place ahead of the 1995 Rugby World Cup, held in South Africa. In 1994, the airport was significantly expanded and renovated to meet international standards and accommodate the increased flow of tourists. During this same period, in light of political changes in the country, its geographical name — East London Airport — was restored. Since then, the airport continues to be regularly updated, maintaining modern infrastructure and ensuring comfort for passengers.

East London Airport (ELS) offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait before their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafés and restaurants where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or enjoy a full meal. For those wishing to buy something for the road or bring back souvenirs from South Africa, there are shops selling press, books, and locally produced goods.

For travelers who value enhanced comfort, the airport features a VIP lounge where one can relax in a quiet atmosphere. To stay connected, take advantage of the free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal. Special charging stations and power outlets are provided in waiting areas for recharging gadgets.

Essential financial services are available at the airport: there are ATMs from several major banks and currency exchange points. In case of emergency, the terminal has a first aid station ready to provide qualified support.

The airport is equipped for the comfort of all categories of passengers. For travelers with reduced mobility, there are ramps, special restrooms, and an assistance service, which is recommended to be booked in advance through the airline. Families with small children can make use of the mother and child rooms.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, numerous accommodation options for every taste and budget are located in the immediate vicinity and in the city of East London itself. For business travelers, conference rooms and business services for meetings and negotiations may be available at the airport. It is recommended to check availability and book such services in advance.

East London Airport (ELS), despite its compact size, offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal. Dining establishments are located both in the public area and in the departure lounge after security control, allowing for a comfortable wait for your flight.

In the main area of the airport (landside), accessible to all visitors, popular South African chain cafés such as Mugg & Bean or Wimpy typically operate. They are known for their aromatic coffee, fresh pastries, hearty breakfasts, burgers, and salads. This is a great place to have a bite before check-in or spend time with those seeing you off at reasonable prices.

After passing security control, in the departure zone (airside), the selection generally focuses on faster formats. Here you will find snack bars and cafés, ideal for passing the time before boarding. Passengers have access to various beverages, light snacks, sandwiches, and sweets. For those in a hurry, this is the best option to quickly refresh without risking missing the flight.

Although the airport cannot boast the gastronomic variety of a metropolis, dishes to suit various tastes can be found here. Most cafés offer a standard European menu, but you can sometimes find local specialties — for example, traditional South African snacks like biltong. Regarding dietary restrictions, vegetarian options are generally available. It is best to verify the availability of gluten-free or Halal dishes directly with the establishment's staff.

The operating hours of most establishments at East London Airport are tied to the flight schedule — they open early in the morning and close after the departure of the last plane. Prices generally correspond to the average level for airports in South Africa: slightly higher than in the city, but quite acceptable. If you have enough time, you can have a full lunch at a restaurant in the public zone, and if you have already passed inspection, cozy cafés in the departure lounge will come to your rescue.

Traveling through East London Airport in South Africa can be comfortable and hassle-free if you prepare in advance. Here are some useful tips to help you orient yourself and save time.

Arrival Time at the Airport. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before departure. If you have an international flight, allow at least 3 hours. This time will be sufficient to complete all formalities without haste, even during peak periods.

Check-in and Security Control. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight, which usually opens 24 hours before departure. This will allow you to head straight to the bag drop counter or, if traveling light, directly to security. When passing through security control, be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronic devices, as well as your bag of liquids, from your hand luggage.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. If you have the option to choose a seat during check-in, consider your preferences. Window seats (A, F) offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, especially considering the scenic coastline. Aisle seats (C, D) are convenient if you plan to get up during the flight without disturbing your neighbors.

Hand Luggage. Remember the rules for carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. It is forbidden to bring sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances into the cabin. Always check the current weight and dimension requirements for hand luggage on your airline's website.

Connecting Passengers. If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage in East London. Immediately after arrival, find information about your next flight on the board to know the boarding gate number. East London Airport is not very large, so moving between gates will not take much time.

Customs Control. When arriving on an international flight, you will have to pass customs control. If you have no goods to declare, proceed through the "green channel". If you are carrying something that needs to be declared, head to the "red channel". For domestic flights, customs control is not required.

Saving Time and Money. Book a transfer from the airport in advance or study the public transport schedule to avoid inflated prices from taxi drivers on site. Bring an empty water bottle with you — it can be filled at drinking fountains after passing security. Light snacks brought from home will also help save on expensive airport cafés.

In Case of Flight Delay. First, contact your airline representative for information on the reasons for the delay and the estimated departure time. Depending on the length of the wait, the airline may be obliged to provide you with vouchers for food or drinks. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses and check the terms of your travel insurance in case of long delays or flight cancellations.