Menu

Ben Schoeman Airport

ListenMore on King Phalo Airport, ELS by IATA code So this is King Phalo Airport. This airport is for the bustling city of East London, South Africa in the Eastern Cape province. For those lucky enough to fly into King Phalo Airport, the combination of endless coastal views and a glimpse into authentic local culture. It hosts approximately 946,000 guests every year, some of which are holiday-goers. It is one of the busiest airports amidst local and foreign tourists, average 20-30 flights a day. In 2016 it was dubbed the fastest growing airport in South Africa. If you are travelling to East London, King Phalo Airport is what gets you on your lateral journey.

Live Air Traffic

King Phalo Airport, East London, South Africa It connects travelers to the picturesque Eastern Cape. The airport caters to 20-30 flights on a daily basis. The Port handles an anual traffic of about 946,000 Passengers. The majority of these visitors are out-of-state tourists. 15% are foreign tourists Up until King Phalo Airport was fast tracked in 2016 This turned it into the quickest developing air terminal in South Africa. In fact, traffic at the airport was up 19 percent that year. In total, it served more than 806,000 passengers compared to 679,000 in 2015. For those who visit East London, King Phalo airport is a major entrance.

air Arrivals
air Departures

Basic information about airport

Airport code: FAEL
Type: medium
Continent: AF
Country code: ZA
Country: South
City East
IATA: ELS
Longitude: 27.825899124099998
Latitude: -33.0355987549

Ben Schoeman Airport on Google Maps

metkaWillow Park
Today 21 °C / 69.8 °F
  • sunScattered clouds
  • humidityHumidity: 93
  • WindWind: 3.06 m/sec
Fri

25 C / 77 °F

Sat

23 C / 73.4 °F

Sun

25 C / 77 °F

Mon

26 C / 78.8 °F

Tue

20 C / 68 °F

Ben Schoeman Airport: East London is Calling from South Africa

Introduction

Ben Schoeman Airport (IATA: ELS, ICAO: FAEL), which stands at the heart of the Eastern Cape province, is the principal airport serving East London city in South Africa. The mid-sized airport, previously known as East London Airport, has recently undergone an expansion, emerging as a key connector for both domestic and international passengers looking to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of its region.

Airlines and Destinations

As it stands, Ben Schoeman Airport offers strictly domestic flights to a limited number of South African destinations. East London's longest non-stop flight is to Cape Town (CPT), which takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. There are a number of major South African airlines through which the airport is served, including South African Airways and Kulula. Air Mauritius, as well as low-cost carriers like EasyJet and Airlink, among others, will offer passengers several choices to get there.

Passengers and Flights

Between 20 and 30 flights arrive at the Ben Schoeman Airport daily, contributing roughly around a million people annually to East London. Approximately 540,000 of these are domestic travelers, with the other 15% coming from international tourists. The airport was also named the fastest growing in South Africa during 2016, recording an annual increase of nearly 19%, compared to the 806,000 passengers it handled that year.

How to Get Here

Ben Schoeman Airport is located 7.5 km from the city center, and you can get there by car, taxi, or bus. Rental cars are available for hire through the airport's website or in person at an on-site car rental lot. Alternatively, travelers can catch taxis and shuttle services to transport them directly to their final destination.

Parking

Parking at the airport is available for all of its visitors, which can be a necessity or merely an option. It provides both short-term and long-term parking facilities, priced from ZAR 180 per day. The airport offers park-and-fly services for travelers who want to leave their cars in a secure lot at the facility and catch a shuttle ride over to the departures area.

Transportation Price

Transportation from the airport to the city center or one of its smaller towns may vary depending on the distance and the means of travel. Taxi fares average between ZAR 200 and ZAR 429, and shuttle services start at around ZAR 200 per trip.

Terminal Layout

The single terminal building at Ben Schoeman Airport houses all passenger operations. The terminal was designed to allow travelers a smooth and efficient journey, with well-marked signage and intuitive wayfinding implemented throughout the facility, including markings leading from check-in counters to security checkpoints and the arriving/departing lounge.

Navigate the Airport

Ben Schoeman Airport is easy to get around. Each section of the building is well-marked, with signs showing travelers where to check-in for their flights and pass through security on their way toward scheduled departures. The airport, being small and with a very user-friendly layout, is easy to navigate without confusing passengers.

Getting Between Terminals

Ben Schoeman Airport is a single-terminal airfield, so there are no gates or checks between various terminals. In this one building, all arrivals and departures, together with the connecting flights, meet.

Services and Amenities

The airport offers various facilities and services that can fulfill the needs of all customers. This includes free Wi-Fi, ATMs, currency exchange service, and a series of retail and dining facilities. Passengers can also find car rental, luggage storage, and passenger services for special needs or disabilities.

Restaurants and Shops

A diverse array of dining and shopping options await travelers in the airport's terminal to keep them entertained and refreshed during their layover. Passengers can dine in one of the on-site restaurants, grab a quick snack from its convenience stores, or shop at local and international retail outlets.

Security and Customs

All passengers passing through Ben Schoeman Airport will be subjected to regular security checks, which include a baggage examination of their hand luggage and check-in bags. The airport also functions as a customs and immigration checkpoint for international travel.

Accessibility

Ben Schoeman Airport aims to offer a service focused on inclusivity and accessibility for all passengers. The terminal offers parking spaces accessible for designated people, ramps on the floors, and elevators suitable for passengers unable to move normally. Help will be provided if you ask for it, to make getting through the airport a painless experience.

Travel Tips

  • Pack as little as possible and use carry-on luggage to expedite your check-in process.
  • Show up at the airport a little earlier than you need to in order to navigate through security and other procedures.
  • Research and get familiar with the layout of the airport, as this can be helpful.
  • Follow flight schedules and any delays or modifications in your itinerary.
  • Stay connected and productive during your time with the airport's free Wi-Fi.