Port Elizabeth International Airport – South Africa’s Chief Airport
A popular airport serving Port Elizabeth, a city in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa, the Port Elizabeth International Airport is owned and operated by Airports Company South Africa. Earlier known as H. F. Verwoerd Airport, the airport is at an elevation of 67 meters above sea level and has 2 asphalt runways which measures 1,980 meters and 1,677 meters in length. The airport is approximately 2 miles from the city center and is less than 10 minutes’ drive away from the city, earning it the tag of being "Ten minute airport". In the year 2013, the airport handles around 1,269,634 passengers, making it among the busiest airports in the country. The current facility at the airport includes 12 aircraft parking bays along with best of technology and numerous facilities.
History
This is among the few airports in the world to have operated a long distance flight in the year 1917, which presaged the advent of the civil aviation industry in Port Elizabeth. While the airport was established in the year 1929, operations began only in 1936 when the airport had a single runway along with a hanger and a concrete apron. The airport was extensively used by Royal Air Force and Squadron South African Air Force during the Second World War and was expanded during that time. The airport underwent its first major expansion in 1950 and operations resumed in 1955. Another round of expansion happened in 1973 and the airport got a new departure terminal in 1980. Further expansions have begun from 2000 onwards. However, due to shortage of space for further expansion, the Airports Company of South Africa is planning to build a new airport within ten years.
Fleet
From Port Elizabeth International Airport, passengers can book their flight on Airlink, British Airways operated by Comair, FlySafair, Mango, South African Airways and South African Express, all of which operate regular passenger flights from the airport.
Awards
Port Elizabeth International Airport has been the recipient of many prestigious awards, few of which are mentioned below –
· Best regional Airport in Africa by World Airport Awards 2014
· Best Airport Staff in Africa in 2014 World Airport Awards
· Best Airports in Africa in 2104 by World Airport Awards
Routes and destinations
East London, Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg are the only destinations which are currently directed connected from the Port Elizabeth International Airport. Once the expansion is complete more airlines will start operating from this airport.
Why Fly Through This Airport
How to Check-in
In accordance with most of the airports around the world, the Port Elizabeth Airport too offers multiple options of check-in. Web check-in can be done conveniently from your home anywhere between 24 hours to 2 hours before the departure of your flight. You can print your boarding pass and skip the queue at the airport. Passengers opting for counter check-in should arrive 1 hour before departure of domestic flight and 2 hours in case of international flight. There are many check-in counters available at the Port Elizabeth International Airport for the assistance of the passengers.
Baggage Allowance
To avoid any confusion regarding baggage allotment, make sure you speak to your airline as every airline operating from Port Elizabeth International Airport might have a difference policy regarding their baggage. As a general rule applied by most of the airports, passengers are not allowed to carry a baggage weighing more than 32 kg and check-in anything which contains more than 100 ml of liquid. Passengers travelling in economy class can check-in up to 20 kg while those in business class can check-in up 32 kg. The allowance may vary according to the destination you are travelling to. Charges will be applicable in case of excess luggage and the same can be paid at the airport.
Seating
Passengers travelling from the Port Elizabeth Airport have the option of pre selecting their seat online at an additional cost. During the landing or takeoff the views of the city and its coastal area is truly mesmerizing and passengers are advised to ensure that they get the window seat in order to bask in this experience. If you are banking upon the airport counter to get the seat of your choice then think again. At the airport seats are assigned on first come first serve basis and are subject to availability. Therefore if you’re adamant on getting the seat that you like, then booking one by paying a marginal fee is the best way.
Booking Fee
The rules and regulations followed by airline may differ in case of modification or cancellation of flight reservation. Therefore in such case, speaking to the airline directly is the best thing to do. At present, online booking (at an extra fee), airline counter at the airport and authorized travel agent or office of the airline are among the options from where you can get your flight reserved.
Airports near Port Elizabeth:
