Grand Central Airport

Depart to Midrand - Your Ticket: Grand Central Airport

Introduction

Grand Central Airport (IATA: GCJ, ICAO: FAGC) is the primary airport serving Johannesburg and also serves domestic traffic principally. Although small, this is an important airport for regional aviation as it has one of the largest concentrations of light aircraft and flight training operations.

Airlines and Destinations

Grand Central is not home to any scheduled commercial passenger flights, operating largely as a general aviation airport. However, it houses many aviation schools and fixed-base operators that cater to the light aircraft maintenance businesses. The airport is publicly served, and prior permission to land for GA/Light aircraft is not requested.

Passengers per Flight

With its emphasis on general aviation, Grand Central Airport is not a major passenger traffic hub. The airport primarily serves the needs of private pilots, flight schools, and smaller charter aircraft operators in the Johannesburg-Pretoria metropolitan area.

How to Get Here

The convenient location of the Grand Central Airport in Midrand is just about halfway between Johannesburg and Pretoria. The airport is conveniently located only 16 miles away from the O.R. Tambo International Airport, which can be accessed by road easily for visitors arriving in Johannesburg.

Parking

The airport has parking lots for visitors to park their cars, in addition to pilots. There is no fee or charge, just first-come, first-served parking.

Transportation Price

Grand Central Airport can be reached by self-driving, taxis, and airport shuttle services. While prices for these services can vary by provider and distance, in general, they are priced reasonably, making them very accessible to travelers.

Terminal Layout

A modern terminal building is present, but the airport lacks customs facilities. It also provides amenities and services for pilots, such as restrooms, waiting areas, and administrative offices.

Navigate the Airport

Grand Central, being a small general aviation airport, makes it easy to get around. The layout of the concourse and vortex are very easy to navigate - I barely had to look up at signs for directions as we were boarding.

Getting Between Terminals

As Grand Central Airport only has one terminal, there is no need for passengers to move between the various terminals.

Services and Amenities

The airport also offers and maintains various services to support its general aviation operations. This includes fuel stations, maintenance and repair facilities, as well as flight planning resources. Nonetheless, the airport is not well supplied with commercial and retail facilities.

Restaurants and Shops

There are no restaurants or dedicated shopping facilities within the terminal building of Grand Central Airport. Guests will have to visit off-site Midrand or Johannesburg for dining and shopping options.

Security and Customs

Grand Central, being a general aviation airport, enjoys less security and immigration restrictions than an international airport. Both pilots and passengers are subject to all applicable aviation rules, regulations, and restrictions.

Accessibility

Grand Central Airport has a fully accessible terminal building with facilities for all disabled travelers. Nevertheless, the airport is quite small and does not have many specific services of access, which can result in some obstacles for certain users.

Travel Tips

Visiting Grand Central Airport means knowing the airport and planning accordingly. Pilots should make certain to have the correct permissions and clearances before bringing their airplane in; all visitors entering - via wing or wheel alike - must be aware of a minimal level of commercial services.