Pietermaritzburg Airport

Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB) is not merely an air gateway to the city of the same name, but also the starting point for exploring the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal region in South Africa. Unlike giant international hubs, this cozy airport offers a calm and almost home-like atmosphere. It is ideal for those who value their time and prefer to begin their journey without the hustle and bustle, immediately immersing themselves in the charm of the "Midlands Meander" and the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains.

The main advantage of Pietermaritzburg Airport is its compactness and convenience. Check-in and baggage claim procedures here are significantly faster than at major airports, allowing you to save precious time for your vacation. Despite its modest size, the terminal has everything necessary for a comfortable wait: a small café where you can enjoy a coffee, and car rental desks for those planning self-drive trips around the region.

The airport primarily serves domestic flights, connecting Pietermaritzburg with Johannesburg, making it a key transport hub for business travelers and tourists alike. Its location is perfect for starting a route along the famous "Midlands Meander" tourist route or for a trip to the national parks of the Drakensberg. By choosing this airport, you ensure a quick and comfortable start to your acquaintance with one of the most beautiful corners of South Africa.

• Official Airport Website: www.msunduzi.gov.za (airport information is hosted on the municipality portal)
• Help Desk Phone: +27 33 386 9577
• Airport Address: Pharazyn Way, Oribi Village, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, South Africa
• Email: No direct public address available; using the telephone is recommended for urgent communication
• Airport Social Media: Official news and updates are published on The Msunduzi Municipality pages
• Lost Luggage Information: Airlines handle lost property; it is recommended to contact the Airlink representative or the carrier's counter directly
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all administrative and inquiry matters, please call the main airport number

Getting to Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB), which serves the city of Pietermaritzburg, is quite easy thanks to its convenient location just a few kilometers from the center. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose from several modes of transport. A trip from the city center usually takes no more than 10–15 minutes, but always allow extra time in case of traffic.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services (such as Uber or Bolt) are the most convenient and popular way to get to the airport. This is a relatively inexpensive and fast option, especially if you are traveling with luggage. A car can be ordered via a mobile app or found at official taxi stands in the city. For added peace of mind, you can book a transfer in advance through one of the local transport companies.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning to explore the picturesque surroundings of the KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa. Most major rental companies have offices both in the city and at the airport, making it easy to pick up a car in one place and drop it off in another. Pietermaritzburg Airport has parking where you can leave your vehicle for a short or long term if you are going on a brief trip and plan to return to the same location.

Regarding public transport, there are no direct bus or train routes to the airport. The main form of public transport in the region is minibus taxis. Although they operate throughout the city, their routes can be difficult for tourists to understand, and they do not always have enough space for luggage. Therefore, this method is not recommended for travelers who are unfamiliar with the local transport system. For a comfortable and predictable journey, it is better to choose a taxi or a rental car.

The Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB) is a small and convenient regional aviation hub in South Africa that serves domestic flights. Its key feature is one compact terminal, making navigation extremely simple and fast. Thanks to this, getting lost here is practically impossible, which is especially appreciated by travelers who prefer to avoid the hustle of large airports.

A single terminal building serves both departing and arriving passengers. The airport layout is intuitive: after entering, you find yourself in the general area with check-in counters. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to the security checkpoint, which leads to a small and cozy departure lounge. There are no transfers between terminals, as all functional zones are under one roof.

The arrival area is also located in the same building. After disembarking from the aircraft, passengers walk to the hall where the baggage claim belt is located. Everything is within walking distance, eliminating the need for long transfers. Essential services, including the café and car rental offices, are concentrated in the main, public part of the terminal.

Due to its compactness and low passenger traffic, completing all pre-flight formalities at Pietermaritzburg Airport takes significantly less time than at major hubs. Typically, check-in and security checks take no more than 20–30 minutes. Nevertheless, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport 60–90 minutes before departure to go through all procedures without haste and enjoy a cup of coffee before your flight.

The history of Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB), also widely known as Oribi Airport, begins in 1931. Initially, it was a small airfield created to serve private aircraft and the needs of the local flying club. Its early years were modest, but its strategic location in the capital of the KwaZulu-Natal province predetermined its future important role.

The most significant period in the airport's history occurred during World War II. It was selected as one of the key bases for pilot training under the British Commonwealth Joint Air Training Plan. A Royal Air Force (RAF) Air Navigation School was established at the airfield, where thousands of future navigators and pilots from various countries underwent training. This contribution to the war effort made the airport a historically important site.

After the war ended, the airport returned to civil aviation. It gradually developed to meet the region's growing needs for passenger and cargo transport. Phased improvements to the runway and navigation equipment were carried out to accommodate more modern types of aircraft. The airport became an important gateway for business travelers and tourists heading to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands region.

A major reconstruction and modernization of the airport took place in 2013. The project involved building a new, more spacious, and modern passenger terminal, updating infrastructure, and improving security systems. This significantly increased capacity and improved the level of comfort for passengers. Today, the airport serves regular flights to major South African cities, playing a key role in the economic and tourism life of Pietermaritzburg.

One interesting fact is related to its unofficial name — "Oribi". It is named after a species of small antelope that inhabits this region. Additionally, the airport annually welcomes thousands of athletes and fans arriving to participate in the famous "Comrades Marathon," the start or finish of which alternates between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB), being an important regional transport hub, provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the airport is well-equipped to meet the basic needs of travelers.

You can have a snack or drink coffee before departure at the local café, which offers light snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. There are also small shops on the premises where you can purchase essentials, souvenirs, and newspapers. Although there are no specialized VIP lounges at the airport, some airlines may offer special service conditions to their passengers.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available within the terminal. There are also designated areas for charging electronic devices. The airport has ATMs for cash withdrawals; however, currency exchange bureaus may be absent, so it is recommended to arrange for currency exchange in advance.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with special needs. There are ramps, accessible restrooms, and staff assistance provided during boarding and disembarking (it is recommended to book this service in advance through the airline). For travelers with small children, mother and child rooms are provided. In case of necessity, one can visit the first aid station.

There are no hotels or business centers within the airport building; however, in the city of Pietermaritzburg itself, located just a few minutes' drive away, you will find a wide selection of hotels and conference rooms for business meetings. Convenient transport links allow for quick access to the city center.

Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB) is a small regional airport serving the city of Pietermaritzburg and its surroundings in South Africa. Due to its compact size, the choice of dining establishments here is limited, so passengers should plan their visit with this factor in mind.

The main and, typically, the only place for a snack at the airport is the cafeteria, located in the main terminal building. It is situated in the public area (landside), before security control, making it accessible to both departing passengers and those seeing them off. This establishment is ideal for having a cup of coffee or a quick bite before a flight.

The café menu usually offers a standard set for quick dining: sandwiches, fresh pastries, salads, snacks, and soft drinks. You can arrange a light lunch here, but do not expect a wide selection of hot meals as in large airports. The range of local cuisine dishes, if present, will likely be limited to popular snacks. Prices correspond to the average level for airports.

The establishment's operating hours are directly linked to the flight schedule — it opens shortly before the first departure and closes after the last one leaves. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions, such as vegan, gluten-free, or Halal requirements, are strongly advised to bring food with them, as specialized options may not be available at the café.

Thus, for a quick snack before a flight, the airport offers basic amenities. If you are counting on a full lunch or dinner with a large selection of dishes, it is better to do so at one of the numerous restaurants in the city of Pietermaritzburg before traveling to the airport.

Traveling through Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB) usually goes smoothly and without unnecessary fuss, as it is a small regional airport. Nevertheless, a few tips will help make your trip even more comfortable and predictable.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. Although processes here are faster than at major international hubs, this buffer time will allow you to go through all procedures calmly. To save time, use online check-in offered by most airlines, and print your boarding pass in advance or save it on your smartphone.

Security Control and Seat Selection. Security services operate according to standard rules. Have your passport (or ID) and boarding pass ready. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider that flights from Pietermaritzburg are often operated by smaller aircraft. If the view is important to you, choose a window seat, and if you value the ability to stretch your legs and exit quickly after landing, choose an aisle seat.

Hand Luggage. Standard rules for carrying liquids (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) apply here as well. Do not put sharp objects in your hand luggage. All electronics and power banks are best carried with you in the cabin. Be sure to check the weight and size limits for hand luggage on your airline's website, as they may vary.

Connecting Passengers and Customs. Pietermaritzburg Airport mainly serves direct domestic flights. If you have a connection to another domestic flight, check with the airline if you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Since this is a domestic airport, there is no international customs control here. If you are arriving in South Africa from another country with a transfer in Pietermaritzburg, you will go through customs and passport formalities at the first airport of arrival in the country (for example, in Johannesburg or Cape Town).

Saving Time and Money. In addition to online check-in, booking a taxi or transfer from the airport in advance will help save money. Prices for food and drinks at small airports can be higher, so bring a light snack and an empty water bottle, which can be filled after passing security control.

In Case of Flight Delay. Periodically check the status of your flight on the airline's website or on the airport display boards. If the flight is delayed, contact your airline representative at the check-in counter for information. Given that the waiting area at the airport is small and entertainment options are limited, download movies or books to your devices in advance and make sure your power bank is fully charged.