- Eastern Cape
- East London
- East London Airport
East London Airport, East London, Eastern Cape
East London Airport in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa is situated 9 km from the city of East London and was renamed King Phalo Airport in February 2021.
King Phalo Airport currently operates domestic only routes and with 20 to 30 flights landing each day from all major cities in South Africa, its’ passenger terminal currently handle approximately 346 000 passengers annually. The domestic Airline operating from the Airport only uses A320’s, however, the Airport can accommodate A300’s.
The airport plays an important part in the growing economy of the area by carrying cargo to domestic destinations as well as countries such as France and Holland.
Airport Facilities
- All major bank ATM facilities
- Basic First Aid Available
- Car rental facilities
- The runway can be viewed from the terminal building
Climate
East London has rainfall in the summer months.
Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 15˚C and 27˚C.
Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 9˚C and 22˚C.
Transport
The various forms of transportation to and from the airport would be airport or hotel shuttles, hired cars or taxis.
The airport has specified drop-off and pick-up areas and for those traveling with their own vehicles and adequate parking is provided. Travelers are advised to arrive one and a half hours before the departure of domestic flights.
Accolades
In 2013 East London Airport was voted the Most Improved Airport in Africa at the ASQ Awards.
History
In 1927, Lieutenant Colonel Alistair Miller helped establish a municipal aerodrome west of the city. Two de Havvilland Moth planes accommodated passengers on Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday.
In 1944 a new airport was established in Collondale about 2 km from its present location. The airport, then named Ben Schoeman after the Minister of Transport at the time moved again in 1965 to its current location and the construction was completed in 1966. East London Airport received its new name in 1994 and has since undergone more renovations, including a new first-floor.