George Airport

George Airport is your gateway to the famous Garden Route of the Republic of South Africa. Located in the very heart of this picturesque region, the airport serves as a convenient starting point for journeys along the coast, to national parks, and charming towns. Despite its modest size, it offers passengers comfort and all necessary services, welcoming hundreds of thousands of tourists annually who seek to explore the natural beauty of South Africa.

Although George Airport primarily serves domestic flights, it plays a key role in the region's transport system. The air harbour is renowned for its efficiency and pleasant atmosphere. Its territory features everything needed for a comfortable wait: inviting cafes, car rental desks, free Wi-Fi, and souvenir shops. The airport regularly receives high ratings for service quality and cleanliness, making it one of the most pleasant regional airports in the country. Its strategic location allows for easy access to popular destinations such as Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Mossel Bay.

• Official Website: www.airports.co.za/airports/george-airport
• Help Desk Phone: +27 44 876 9310
• Address: George Airport, R404, George, 6530, South Africa
• Email: customercare@airports.co.za (General support for the managing company, ACSA)
• Social Media: For updates and news, follow the official pages of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) on social media.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged checked baggage, please contact your airline representative directly. If you have lost personal items within the airport terminal, please contact the help desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For enquiries and assistance, you may use the main airport phone number or write to the general ACSA email address.

George Airport (GRJ) is conveniently located just 10 km from the city centre, so the journey there does not take much time. Travellers can choose the most suitable method to reach the terminal based on their budget, amount of luggage, and travel plans within the region.

Taxis, Shuttles, and Transfers

The simplest and most popular way to get to the airport is to use a taxi service or book a transfer in advance. The trip from the centre of George usually takes just 10-15 minutes. This is an ideal option for those who value comfort and are travelling with heavy luggage. Many hotels and guesthouses also offer their own shuttles for guests. Although the city does not have an extensive public transport network running to the airport, these private shuttles and taxis effectively fulfil this function. The cost of the trip varies depending on the company, so it is recommended to check the price in advance.

Car Rental

For tourists planning to explore the famous Garden Route, renting a car is the most practical solution. Several major international and local rental company counters operate at George Airport. You can rent a car directly upon arrival or, conversely, return it before departure. This option provides maximum freedom of movement and allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of South Africa.

Airport Parking

If you are driving to the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, convenient parking is available. The area provides zones for both short-term parking (picking up or dropping off passengers) and long-term parking, should you plan to leave the car for the duration of your trip. This is a safe and reliable option, the cost of which depends on the duration of parking.

George Airport (GRJ) is distinguished by its compactness and well-thought-out organisation. It consists of one modern terminal that serves both domestic and some regional flights. Thanks to its small size, navigation through the airport is intuitive, making it particularly convenient for travellers who value speed and comfort.

The structure of the terminal is very simple and logical. The Ground Floor houses the check-in counters, baggage claim area, and arrivals hall. The car rental offices are also located here. The First Floor is entirely dedicated to the departure zone: after passing through security control, passengers enter a cosy waiting lounge with several boarding gates, small shops, and cafes.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated by floors, eliminating confusion. Arriving passengers quickly move from the airfield to the baggage claim hall and exit into the general area on the Ground Floor. For departing passengers, the path is also as simple as possible: check-in on the Ground Floor, then moving up to the First Floor for security screening and waiting for their flight. Since there is only one terminal, no transfers between buildings are required—everything is within walking distance.

One of the main advantages of George Airport is the rapid completion of all formalities. Check-in and security procedures generally take significantly less time than in major airports. On average, this takes no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 90 minutes before departure to drop off luggage and pass through control without rushing.

Navigating the terminal will not cause difficulties even for first-time visitors. Clear signage in English and Afrikaans is present everywhere. The main advice is simply to follow them. It is worth noting that George Airport became one of the first in Africa to run on solar energy, highlighting its modernity and eco-friendliness. The compact building and logical layout make it one of the most efficient and pleasant regional airports in South Africa.

The history of George Airport (GRJ) began in 1977, when it was opened under the name P.W. Botha Airport in honour of the then Prime Minister of South Africa. Originally built to improve transport accessibility to the picturesque Garden Route region, it quickly became an important transport hub. With the dawn of a new democratic era in the country, the airport was renamed George Airport in 1994, symbolising a departure from the past and the beginning of a new chapter in its history.

A key moment in the airport's development was the transfer of management to the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) in 1993. This initiated a series of modernisations. The most large-scale reconstruction was carried out ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. As part of the preparations for this event, the terminal was significantly expanded and renovated, and the runway was lengthened to accommodate larger aircraft. These improvements not only allowed for the comfortable reception of thousands of fans but also laid the foundation for further passenger traffic growth.

Today, George Airport is a modern and award-winning aviation hub. It has repeatedly received the prestigious award from the Airports Council International (ACI) as "Best Airport in Africa" in the category of under 2 million passengers per year. This fact speaks to the high quality of service and operational efficiency. The airport continues to play a vital role, serving as the main aerial gateway for tourists from all over the world eager to explore the beauties of the famous Garden Route.

George Airport (GRJ), despite its relatively small size, offers passengers a full range of services for a comfortable and pleasant journey. The terminal is designed to ensure the convenience and accessibility of all key services before departure or upon arrival.

Within the airport, you will find several cafes and restaurants where you can grab a quick sandwich, drink aromatic coffee, or have a full meal while waiting for your flight. There are also shops offering souvenirs to remember your trip to South Africa, fresh newspapers, books, and travel essentials.

For those who value enhanced comfort and privacy, George Airport features a business lounge. Passengers can utilise free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal to stay in touch with loved ones or handle work matters. Charging stations for electronic devices are provided for travellers' convenience.

The terminal building houses ATMs from several major banks and a currency exchange point. In case of need, there is a first aid station at the airport. Mother and child rooms are equipped for passengers with small children, and a barrier-free environment, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms, has been created for travellers with reduced mobility.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, numerous accommodation options—from cosy guesthouses to large hotel complexes—are located a few minutes' drive away and in the city of George itself. For business travellers, the airport also has a conference room suitable for meetings and events.

George Airport (GRJ) is a compact and convenient aviation hub that offers passengers several options for a snack or a full meal before departure. Despite its small size, you can find establishments here to suit different tastes and budgets, located mainly in the main terminal building, in the general public area (landside), before security control.

For those who have time and want a substantial meal, the Outeniqua restaurant is available. It serves both international cuisine and some local specialities of South Africa. This is an excellent place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a relaxed atmosphere. The menu usually includes hot dishes, salads, and desserts. If you wish to try something authentic, look for sandwiches with local fillings or traditional snacks.

If time is limited, a coffee shop or cafe offering a quick snack would be the ideal choice. Here you can order freshly brewed coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, and light bites. This is a convenient option to quickly satisfy your hunger right before boarding. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule—from early morning until the last plane departs.

Regarding dietary preferences, vegetarian options are usually available in the form of salads or meat-free sandwiches. However, choices for vegans, as well as gluten-free or Halal dishes, might be very limited. It is recommended to verify the ingredients with the staff at the establishment. The price range at George Airport can be described as average, typical for airports of this scale.

To ensure your journey through George Airport proceeds as comfortably as possible, we have prepared a few useful tips. Although George Airport (GRJ) is not as large as the main air hubs of South Africa, proper preparation helps avoid unnecessary stress. We recommend arriving at the airport 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2-3 hours before an international one. This time is sufficient to calmly go through all procedures without rushing.

To save time, complete online check-in for your flight on your airline's website. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint. The security procedure here is standard: be ready to present your boarding pass and passport, as well as remove electronic devices and liquid containers from your hand luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider that flights in this part of the country are often accompanied by scenic views. A window seat will offer you stunning panoramas of the coast and mountains of the Garden Route region. If comfort and the ability to stretch your legs are more important to you, choose an aisle seat.

Liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, are allowed in hand luggage. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check the exact weight and dimension allowances for hand luggage on your airline's website, as they may vary.

If you have a connecting flight, note that George Airport mainly serves domestic flights. When transferring to an international flight in another city (for example, in Johannesburg or Cape Town), you will likely need to collect your luggage, check it in again, and pass through passport control. Allow at least 3 hours for such connections.

Customs control is relevant for passengers arriving in South Africa from abroad. You will need to fill out a declaration if you are bringing in goods exceeding established limits. For domestic flight passengers, passing through customs is not required—after collecting your luggage, you can head straight to the exit.

To save time and money, book flight tickets and car rentals in advance. Prices in airport cafes and shops may be higher than in the city, so you can bring a light snack with you (excluding drinks). Free Wi-Fi is usually available at the airport, which will help you stay connected.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time or alternative options. Keep all receipts for food and drinks—airlines often provide compensation for lengthy delays. While waiting for your flight, you can spend time in one of the airport's cafes or shops.