East London Airport Guide

Being a crucial link in the cargo chain, the East London Airport plays a significant role in the South African economy. With nearly 20-30 flights landing each day; the East London airport receives a total of half a million passengers each year. The Airport has recently upgraded its infrastructure to cater to the projected rise in passenger traffic. Renovated at a whopping cost of R 97 million, the airport has seen an increase in the number of check-in counters from 12 to 17 and both the arrival and departure lounges have been expanded to avoid congestion at the terminal. Besides this, two new baggage carousels have also been installed for faster baggage clearance.

Telephone: +27 (0)43 706 0306

Website: www.airports.co.za

Time Zone: GMT +2

Airport Connectivity

shuttle services: The airport is located 9km west of the city centre and is well connected by a network of buses and taxis. Operating in consonance with flight timings, shuttle services are offered by Gateway and RedShuttle Bus Services that can be boarded from outside the arrival terminal.

Car Parking: The airport offers multiple paid parking options to visitors for parking their cars which include: 

• Public Car park
• Parking under Shade Cloth
• Lock up garages.

Car Hire: Passengers can hire chauffeur driven or self driven cars from car hire companies such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and National which have their reservation desk at the airport.

Automated flight information: The airport has set up a dedicated automated flight information helpline from where passengers can obtain real time information about their flights. A state-of-the-art HBS system has also been installed to achieve a faster turnaround time for luggage screening.

Lounge: The East London Airport has a premier lounge that offers the finest comforts to waiting passengers.

Food and Beverages: Besides numerous snack bars and food joints, there is even a restaurant in the first floor of the terminal building that offers exciting multi-cuisine options. There is a coffee shop at the airport where one can enjoy a leisurely cup of tea or coffee along with some delicious snacks.

Shopping: Besides newsstands offering newspaper and magazines one can even find a bookshop at the airport that offers some interesting reads.

Medical facilities: Primary first aid facilities are provided at the airport and passengers requiring urgent medical attention are transported to the nearest medical facility.

Other Facilities: Passengers who require a room to pray can request the airport authorities and the same shall be arranged for. Baby changing facilities are available in both the ladies toilets in the departure terminal.

Money, Banking and Telecommunication: One can find a cash machine in the Departure Hall that operates 24 x 7.Besides this, there are pay phones installed in both the arrival and departure terminals that accept coins or phone cards.

Helpline: Tourists can obtain real time information about their flights  and enquire about the  facilities at the airport by calling  the East London Airport helpdesk  at +27 (0)43 706 0306.  There is even an automated flight information service which can be accessed 24*7 by calling 086 72 77 888. Besides this, there are information kiosks set up by the Eastern Cape Tourism board at the airport for the convenience of passengers. Patrons can also request for a contact directory that provides contact details of all airports, airlines and service providers.