Harrismith Airport

Introduction

Harrismith Airport (IATA: HRS), a small but important airfield catering to the local community and general aviation enthusiasts, is located in the Free State province of South Africa. While it does not operate any commercial passenger flights, this humble airport performs a vital link in the region's transportation infrastructure.

Situated approximately halfway between the major cities of Johannesburg and Durban, Harrismith Airport is a perfect refueling stop-off point for private pilots and light aircraft. Located on the N3, this airport is easily reachable and gives you direct access to incredible natural places around Harrismith.

Now, while Harrismith Airport might not be the epitome of an international hub, it certainly offers a culinary aviation experience that is unlike many others in this day and age. From the airport's facilities to the services it offers, in this complete guide, we take a closer look at what makes this one of South Africa's largest airports and help you maximize your time when visiting.

Airlines and Destinations

Note that, at the time of writing (2019), Harrismith Airport was not serving any scheduled commercial flights. The airport is only open to general aviation, as it serves private pilots, charter operators, and recreational flyers.

Although no scheduled airline services use the airport, traffic is regular with numerous light aircraft having few limitations to their type aside from a maximum weight of 5.7 tonnes on unpaved surfaces and around 20 turbine helicopters using it annually for test purposes or en route fuel stops during Arctic-bound ferry flights (mainly bound for Canada's CFB Frobisher Bay Airport). Harrismith Airport operations cover a wide range of general aviation activities, including smaller single-engined propeller planes through to larger turboprop and jet-powered aircraft.

The airport is used by many South Africans and international pilots (some orientation may be necessary to land!), along with locals, as the Johannesburg/Pretoria area that it serves offers countless flight routes for training flights or simply flying around in circles. Positioned in a prime location, the airport infrastructure is beautifully made, which is why this place has become popular among flyers looking for an easy way to stopover in South Africa.

Passengers (thousands) and Movements (Number of Flights)

Official passenger numbers from Harrismith Airport do not occur since this airport does not handle commercial passengers. Since the airport is part of a general aviation community, it primarily serves only private and charter aircraft movements.

No accurate flight data is currently available; however, the airport has limited aircraft movements year-round. These include weather, seasonal changes, and local events, which could result in variations in the number of flights that land or depart from Harrismith Airport.

Please also remember that Harrismith is a general aviation facility, so you won't hear the detailed data reporting like at one of our major commercial airports. To be clear, this is in the interest of keeping some level of safety and order running for private pilots and aircraft owners to have a place to operate their vehicles rather than being able to keep track on an immensely granular scale of all flight telemetry.

How to Get Here

Harrismith (N3) airport is conveniently situated along the N3 highway that links to major metropolitan cities such as Johannesburg and Durban. The airport is located a few kilometers away from the town of Harrismith, providing good accessibility for local and visiting pilots.

For those coming by road, the airport is located on the N3 highway, and guests should follow signs for the Harrismith Airport turnoff. It is about a 3.5-hour drive from Johannesburg and around 4 hours to get there by car if driving from Durban.

Alternatively, you can fly into a nearby major airport such as Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport or Durban King Shaka International and rent a car or arrange ground transportation.

Parking

Harrismith Airport has parking facilities for both private and charter aircraft. The apron and hangar areas of the airport offer different parking possibilities that are suited for several general aviation styles.

• Tie-Down Places for Aircraft Smaller than Medium Size
• Hangar (to protect and secure aircraft from the weather)
• Ample parking for large jets and turboprops

The airport's parking services are first-rate; the freshly kept premises let customers park right next to both of its two passenger terminals. Parking is first-come, first-served, and the cost of parking varies by aircraft type and duration.

Transportation Prices

Harrismith Airport does not have any commercial passenger flights, therefore there are no fixed transportation prices or airport shuttle services from the airport itself. Transportation: No shuttle service will be provided, so visitors must arrange for their own transportation to and from the facility.

The price of gas and possibly parking will depend on who takes you to the airport if you drive yourself. Fuel and parking pricing will vary based upon the services being used.

Or, travelers can rent a vehicle in the area from one of the national car rental agencies and drive themselves to the airport. The rates and fees you will be charged vary depending on what type of vehicle you rent, how long the rental lasts, and whether additional services or insurance coverage are selected.

Large airports may provide transportation to the adjoining smaller ones at an additional cost (taxis and ride-share services), but it's worth it.

Before you book your Harrismith trip, researching and comparing the different transportation options available may be helpful to make your trip more cost-effective or convenient.

Terminal Layout

Harrismith Airport does not have a conventional airport terminal building, being an airfield that caters to general aviation. The airport's own facilities are instead aimed at meeting the requirements of private pilots, aircraft-owners, and jet charter operators.

These areas at the airport include:

• Apron and Hangar Areas: The aprons also have parking spaces for different types of aircraft as well as tie-down spots. Structural facilities include hangars which provide weather protection and security storage for private aircraft and charter planes.
• Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) Building: This building contains the airport's administrative offices, pilot lounge, flight-planning facilities, and minimum visitor waiting areas.
• Fuel Facilities: Fuel storage and dispensing equipment is maintained by Harrismith Airport in order to supply aviation fuel (Avgas & Jet A) for visiting planes.

The airport provides general aviation services such as basic maintenance, support services, minor repairs, and condition inspections.

The layout of the airport may not be as grand and well-laid out as commercial airports, but it still offers excellent facilities that provide for all your needs, especially within general aviation, thus providing quick solutions to arriving visitors.

Navigate the Airport

The airport itself is small and set up to attend specifically to general aviation transactions, making it really easy for the flying public.

For pilots and passengers arriving, signage is clearly marked to help point the way towards different areas of the airport such as Fuel facilities (shown above alongside Jet A1 tanker), the FBO building, or parking/hangar spaces.

The apron and taxiways are in good condition, which enables the safe movement of aircraft. The paperwork also requests that all pilots familiarize themselves with the airport's layout, how to operate, and where not to go on "non-movement" zones of an airfield before you get into town, start up your engine, and keep in constant contact with the ground controllers for directions.

For those coming to the airport, the FBO building is the central hub, and for visitors, access to amenities along with information or services you need are provided. Airport officials will be present to answer questions, direct visitors where they need to go, and ensure a smooth experience.

Although Harrismith Airport is not as complex or developed as popular commercial airports, it is important to be careful at all times and comply with standard security procedures while following the guidance of the airport staff.

Getting Between Terminals

Since Harrismith Airport does not have a conventional terminal setup, passengers will transfer between the various different parts of the airport. Given that the FBO is housed under one roof, all visitors are centralized into one building to go in and out when taking advantage of any service provided by or interacting with the airport.

With clearly signed pathways and facilities, pilots and passengers can navigate quickly between the different airport areas - including the apron, hangar spaces, and fuel facilities. Being a compact and new airport, it is easy to move from one end of the terminal building to the other, whether you are airside or landside.

Should a visitor need to get from one part of the airport, they can walk there or you could take them in any available surface transport, i.e., with an airfield vehicle provided by the airport service or use your own airplane.

Additionally, the airport staff is on hand to lend a helping hand so that each and every visitor navigates their way through it effortlessly and arrives without confusion or difficulty as planned.

Services and Amenities

Although Harrismith Airport is not equipped to handle the volume of passengers carried by major commercial airlines, it does offer a variety of services and facilities that accommodate most general aviation needs.

Key services and amenities that the airport includes, if not limited to, are:

• Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Services: The fully occupied FBO building offers administrative offices, a pilot lounge, and rudimentary passenger waiting areas. FBO staff can also help you with flight planning, weather briefings, and other general aviation services.
• Fuel Services: Harrismith Airport has fuel storage and associated dispensing equipment for both Avgas & Jet A users visiting the airport.
• Static Correction Services: The airport can provide basic maintenance services for general aviation aircraft, as well as minor inspections and troubleshooting.
• Aircraft parking and hangars: The apron of the airport has ample facilities for private jets as well as charter aircraft owners to park or store under terminals.
• Restroom Facilities - The airport has clean restrooms available for use by pilots, passengers, and employees of the airport.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: There is limited Wi-Fi available in the FBO building for visitor use while at the airport.

Although there are fewer services and facilities when compared to large commercial airports, Harrismith Airport does its best in catering to the general aviation group.

Restaurants and Shops

There are no fixed food restaurants or stores in the area of Harrismith Airport and its operational focus on private pilots.

The airport facilities are located in the general aviation FBO (Fixed Base Operation) building, containing a small pilot's lounge and waiting area. The snack area will be basic and may only have vending machines or a small snack bar, but it will not offer full-service dining.

Harrismith Airport visitors seeking a broader dining experience or shopping options will need to visit Harrismith, the closest town with local restaurants, cafes, and retail outlets.

Harrismith town, which is only a few kilometers away from the airport, offers numerous food and shopping options to meet the demands of both locals and visitors. If you like to get familiar with the neighborhood, try traditional South African cuisine or international fare in one of its restaurants, and have a look around some boutique shops next to bigger retail outlets on offer within the town.

Above, you can see how close the town of Harrismith is to this convenient little country airstrip, and while having much less in terms of on-site services (restaurants, etc.) than most major airports, visitors still have everything they might need just a stone's throw away.

Security and Customs

Security and customs are quite simple as this is a general aviation airport which does not service any commercial passenger flights.

When pilots and passengers arrive, they will need to check in with the airport admin team who can handle any paperwork or documentation. This may involve verifying pilots' credentials, aircraft registration, etc.

The airport's security steps are geared toward keeping general aviation activity safe and secure. This involves secure airfield access, monitoring, and regular security patrols, as well as the intervention in ensuring aviation safety.

Customs: For international connections, travelers' customs clearance will be handled by the responsible government agencies. Anyone entering must be ready to provide required travel documents and declare any brought goods.

Although the security and customs processes at Harrismith Airport may be lacking in comparison to those of larger commercial airports, all passengers are subject to standard legislation. Pilots and passengers are urged to review the airport's rules and regulations in advance of their arrival so that parking on the field may be as seamless an operation as possible.

Accessibility

Harrismith Airport is a general aviation airport serving the needs of private pilots and aircraft owners as well as charter operators. It may not have the same level of accessibility features as major commercial airports, but the staff still work hard to make it a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone who comes through its doors.

The new FBO building and the overall site were very well laid out with clear signage and easy-to-find paths. Restroom facilities are also ADA-compliant and have all the required appliances to service our disabled passengers.

The airport's staff will be on hand to help anyone who needs a bit of extra support. If you have special needs or requirements, they advise communicating this in advance so that the necessary arrangements can be prepared.

Please remember that as a general aviation facility, Harrismith Airport will probably not have all the services and equipment found in larger international airports. But the airport's team is pledged to working with visitors as much as possible when pre-arranged assistance fails.

Travel Tips

If you are flying to Harrismith Airport, the following travel tips can be useful for a smooth and relaxed holiday:

• Be Prepared: Research the capabilities, services, and procedures at your airport in order to understand what they do and how it works. This will prepare you for easy access through the airport when you arrive.
• Weather Check: Harrismith, as a general-aviation airport, is more vulnerable to weather-related interruptions. Check the forecast and dress accordingly.
• Connect With Airport Staff: You can ask for help from the airport personnel in case of any problem. They provide great first-hand information that can guide you to make your visit a breeze!
• Get Your Documentation In Order: Be sure you have all your pilot's licenses, aircraft registration, and other pertinent documentation on hand so that check-in moves quickly.
• Take Time: Despite Harrismith Airport being a small airfield, ensure that you arrive to manage settling your aircraft and procedures before flight.
• Visit the Local Area: Spend some time exploring the surrounding beautiful natural settings and town of Harrismith, if you have a little extra time up your sleeve. This is an excellent way to improve your entire aviation experience.

To make a visit to Harrismith Airport as seamless and pleasant as possible, whether it's your first or five-thousandth time flying general aviation, these travel tips will keep you smooth and stress-free!